# ~Est. 1987 • OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE HOPI TRIBE • NEWS SOURCE FOR THE HOPI PEOPLE~

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Ahopi_arizona%3Ae5c2e85c3ecf6433

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

Volume 31
Number 5
43˚/23˚
Partly Cloudy

WEDNESDAY
MARCH

1, 2023
~Est. 1987 • OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE HOPI TRIBE • NEWS SOURCE FOR THE HOPI PEOPLE~

Scott Sinquah Wins 33rd Annual
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest
Championship Brought Top Hoop Dancers from Across
Northern America to Phoenix Museum

Hopi Behavioral Health
Presents “Humor
Healing” with James
Junes In March...
...
Details...PG 2

Cycle breakers
celebrated at
womens luncheon...
PG 14-15

COLUMN

Page 17

LARRY’S CORNER

See the problem is...
Read more about it

COMMUNITY
Pics and Details...PG. 2&3

Page 11

Former TCRHCC CEO Bonar
being recognized at the White
House...

Pictured is Scott Sinquah competing in the 33rd Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest held at
Heard Museum located in Phoenix, Ariz. in February 2023. Photo courtesy: Heard Museum Facebook page.

Meet the 12 Native entrepreneurs
building their own path...A new year, a
new cohort of Indigenous entrepreneurs who
want to change how business is done
pg. 6-7

HOPI TUTUVENI
PO BOX 123
KYKOTSMOVI, AZ 86039
1110-01600-7460

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

2

Scott Sinquah Wins 33rd Annual World
Championship Hoop Dance Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Submitted by: Ivan Morales,
Evolve PR and Marketing

Phoenix, Ariz. – February 23, 2023 The
Heard Museum is proud to announce the
winners of the 33rd annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. Judged
on precision, timing/rhythm, showmanship, creativity, and speed, 108 of the top
Indigenous hoop dancers competed for
the prestigious title and prizes totaling
$25,000 across multiple age divisions.
With a score of 208 out of 225 points,
Scott Sinquah (Gila River, Pima, Hopi-Tewa, Cherokee, Choctaw) was recognized as the 2023 Hoop Dance World
Champion.
“This is what I love to do. It is a

privilege to be a part of the Hoop family
and dance with everyone. It’s incredibly
rewarding to pass on the teachings and
healings to generations through our traditions,” said Scott Sinquah.
The winners for this divisions are:
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest
Champion – Scott Sinquah (Gila River,
Pima, Hopi-Tewa, Cherokee, Choctaw)
Second place – Talon Duncan (San
Carlos Apache, Arikara-Hidatsa-Mandan)
Third place – Tony Duncan (San Carlos
Apache, Arikara-Hidatsa-Mandan)
Fourth place – Josiah Enriquez (Pueblo
of Pojoaque, Isleta, Navajo)
Fifth place – Eric Hernandez (Lumbee
Tribe)
Sixth place – Sampson Sinquah (Gila
River, Hopi-Tewa, Cherokee, Choctaw)

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

Scott Sinquah Wins 33rd Annual World Championship Hoop
Dance Contest

3

Championship Brought Top Hoop Dancers from Across Northern America to Phoenix Museum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Submitted by: Ivan Morales, Evolve PR and Marketing
Phoenix, Ariz. – February 23, 2023 The Heard Museum is proud to announce the winners of the 33rd annual World Championship Hoop Dance
Contest. Judged on precision, timing/rhythm, showmanship, creativity, and
speed, 108 of the top Indigenous hoop dancers competed for the prestigious
title and prizes totaling $25,000 across multiple age divisions.
With a score of 208 out of 225 points, Scott Sinquah (Gila River, Pima,
Hopi-Tewa, Cherokee, Choctaw) was recognized as the 2023 Hoop Dance
World Champion.
“This is what I love to do. It is a privilege to be a part of the Hoop family
and dance with everyone. It’s incredibly rewarding to pass on the teachings
and healings to generations through our traditions,” said Scott Sinquah.
The winners across the age divisions are:
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Champion – Scott Sinquah (Gila River,
Pima, Hopi-Tewa, Cherokee, Choctaw)
Second place – Talon Duncan (San Carlos Apache, Arikara-Hidatsa-Mandan)
Third place – Tony Duncan (San Carlos Apache, Arikara-Hidatsa-Mandan)
Fourth place – Josiah Enriquez (Pueblo of Pojoaque, Isleta, Navajo)
Fifth place – Eric Hernandez (Lumbee Tribe)
Sixth place – Sampson Sinquah (Gila River, Hopi-Tewa, Cherokee, Choctaw)
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Senior Champion – Moontee Sinquah
(Hopi-Tewa, Choctaw)
Second place – Terry Goedel (Yakama, Tulalip)
Third place – Jerry (J.J.) First Charger
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Teen Champion – Mateo Ulibarri
(Pueblo of Pojoaque)

Second place – Jerry Hunt (Diné)
Third place – Jerrhan First Charger (Blood Tribe)
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Youth Champion – Naiche Duncan
(Cree, Taino, Apache, MHA Nations)
Second place – Jai’Po Harvier (Pueblo of Pojoaque, Santa Clara Pueblo,
Taos Pueblo, Tohono O’Odham Nation)
Third place – Isaiah George (Santa Clara Pueblo)
“The Heard is honored to be the home of the World Championship Hoop
Dance Contest, a tradition that now spans four decades.” said David M.
Roche, Dickey Family Director and Heard Museum CEO. “We deeply appreciate the dancers who thrill visitors with their artistry and athleticism.”
The art of hoop dance honors cultural practices shared by multiple Indigenous communities. With roots in healing ceremonies, traditions and practices,
today’s hoop dance is shared as an artistic expression to honor Indigenous
traditions throughout the U.S. and Canada. The annual event was sponsored
by was sponsored by Arizona Republic Service, Union Pacific, the Richard
O. Kern Fund, the Jay Kahn Memorial Fund, Mary Ellen McKee, Mary Jo &
Ted Shen, and Renewal by Andersen.
For further information and questions, contact: Ivana Morales at phone:
973-864-4523 or email: ivana@evolveprandmarketing.com
###
About the Heard -Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum, a private nonprofit organization, has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world class exhibitions, educational programming
and unmatched festivals. Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the
Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person
perspective as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional
and contemporary art. The Heard Museum is supported, in part, by the generosity of
Heard Museum members and donors, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and the
City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. In association with the Smithsonian, the
Heard Museum is part of a select group of museums and cultural, educational and
arts organizations that share the Smithsonian’s resources with the nation. For more
information, please visit heard.org.

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

4

HOPI TRIBAL COUNCIL
1st Quarter Session
December 1, 2022
Month of January 2023 AGENDA - Amendment #2
X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Discussion and possible action – Letter dated March
31, 2022 Re: Village of Shungopavi’s request for information regarding land lease, including ownership of the property comprising the Hopi Cultural Center – Craig Andrews,
Vice Chairman, Hopi Tribe – Tabled
2. Discussion and possible action - Letter dated by
September 19, 2022 RE: Survey conducted by Hopi Elections Office from Dale Sinquah, Tribal Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages – Tabled
3. Action Item #090-2022 - Intergovernmental Agreement between the State of Arizona and the Hopi Tribe –
Author/Donovan Gomez, Hopi Senom Transit – Tabled
4. Action Item #093-2022 – To amend the Rules of
Order for the Hopi Tribal Council to provide a streamlined
process of the Tribal Council parliamentary procedures that
will be followed during meetings of the Tribal Council –
Author/Marilyn Fredericks, Tribal Council Representative, Village of Bacavi – Tabled
XI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Action Item #007-2023 – To accept grant award
from the U.S. Department of Justice in the amount of
$719,669.00 – Author/Tanya Monroe
2. Action Item #010-2023 – Bureau of Land Management Grant Award Title: Utah Bears Ears Land Management Through the Lens of the Hopi Tribal Government,
Hopi Elders and Hopi Youth – Author/Stewart B. Koyiyumptewa, Hopi Cultural Preservation Office
3. Action Item #013-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal
Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Lucietta Wytewa – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Office of Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal
Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages
- *Time Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
4. Action Item #014-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal
Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Shelly
Talas – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Office
of Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal CouncilRepresentative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time
Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
5. Action Item #015-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal
Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Adri-

enne Talaswaima – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal
Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages
- *Time Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
6. Action Item #16-2023 - To approve a Hopi Tribal Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for
Tracy Billy - Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist,
Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal Council
Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time
Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
7. Action Item #017-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal
Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Mary
Talayumptewa – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal
Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages *Time Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
8. Action Item #018-2023 - To approve a Hopi Tribal Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for
Candace Ami - Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist,
Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal CouncilRepresentative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time
Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
9. Action Item #019-2023 – To approve a Hopi Tribal
Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Susan
Ross – Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist, Hopi
Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time Certain,
Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
10. Action Item #20-2023 - To approve a Hopi Tribal
Housing Authority Residential Lease Agreement for Darlene Mahle - Author/Michele Honanie, Realty Specialist,
Hopi Real Estate Services – Dale Sinquah, Tribal Council
Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages - *Time
Certain, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
11. Action Item #021-2023 – Walpi Housing Management Agreement – Author/Fred Lomayesva, General
Counsel, Office of the General Counsel
12. Action Item #022-2023 – To appoint Trevor Reed
as Appellate Justice of the Hopi Appellate Court – Author/
Raymond Namoki, Member, Hopi Law & Order Committee

Continued pg. 5

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

5
HOPI TRIBAL COUNCIL
1st Quarter Session
December 1, 2022
January 2023 AGENDA - Amendment #2, continued...

13. Action Item #025-2023 – Approval of a Special Use Land Permit for
three water wells on the Hart Ranch – the Sunshine, Prosperity and Bluebird
Wells –Author/Dale Sinquah (Add-on by Rosa Honani, Tribal Council Representative, Village of Sipaulovi – January 24, 2023)
14. Action Item #023-2023 – Approval of Print Service Agreement between
the Hopi Tribe and the Arizona Daily Sun (sole source) – Author/Romalita
Laban, Managing Editor, Hopi Tutuveni (Add-on by Dale Sinquah, Tribal
Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages – January 25, 2023)
15. Action Item #024-2023 – Approval to accept Special Diabetes Program
for Indians funding in the amount of $1,131,146.00 and any subsequent years
funding that is made available – Author/Elvia Sanchez, Manager, Hopi Wellness Center (Add-on by Dale Sinquah, Tribal Council Representative, First
Mesa Consolidated Villages – January 25, 2023)
16. Discussion & Possible Action – Letter dated September 2, 2022 from
Ronald Honahni, Governor, Upper Village of Moenkopi; RE: Request to
Explore Gaming in the Upper Village of Moenkopi – Leroy Sumatzkuku,
Tribal Council Representative, Upper Village of Moenkopi – Referred to Hopi
Gaming Committee
17. a. Letter dated October 6, 2022 from Archie Duwahoyeoma, Bear Clan
Elder/Village Leader, Mishongnovi Village; RE: Musangnuvi Village Elections – Rosa Honani, Tribal Council Representative, Village of Sipaulovi
b. Letter dated November 16, 2022 from Archie Duwahoyeoma; RE: Request for appearance for the purpose of updating the Council on the current
governmental situation of Mishongnovi Village – Rosa Honani, Tribal Council
Representative, Village of Sipaulovi - **Time Certain - January 3, 2023 - 9:30
a.m. (both a and b)
18. Letter dated November 23, 2022 from Robert Charley; RE: Resubmission of Letter of Interest for Re-appointment in current position as Hopi Tribal
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners – William Charley, Tribal Council
Representative, Upper Village of Moenkopi
19. Letter dated November 18, 2022 from Dwayne Secakuku; RE: HTHA
BOC Member Resignation – Danny Honanie, Tribal Council Representative,
Village of Kykotsmovi
20. Presentation of Special Master’s Report & Hopi Tribe’s Objections to
Final Report concerning the Little Colorado River (LCR) litigation by Osborn
Maledon – Dale Sinquah, Water/Energy Committee Member - **Time Certain
January 24, 2023 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
21. Letter dated November 29, 2022 from Bernalda Poleahla Navasie; RE:
Letter of Interest for vacant Regular member position and Alternate position
on the Hopi Election Board – Dwayne Secakuku, Tribal Council Representative, Village of Bacavi – Interview - **Time Certain January 23, 2023 at 9:00
a.m.
22. Letter dated December 8, 2022 from Rachel Hood, Yavapai-Apache
Nation, Deputy Political Director, Arizona Democratic Party; RE: Update on
election – Rosa Honani, Tribal Council Representative, Village of Sipaulovi **Time Certain January 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
23. Letter dated December 16, 2022 from Ivan Sidney, Village Administrator, First Mesa Consolidated Villages; RE: Contact Information for First Mesa

Consolidated Villages – Rosa Honani, Tribal Council Representative, Village
of Sipaulovi
24. Letter dated November 30, 2022 from Andrew Gashwazra, Director,
Office of Community Planning & Economic Development; RE: Invitation
to Hopi Tribal Council for two (2) representatives to serve on the Tawa’ovi
Community Development Team (TCDT) – Raymond Namoki, Tribal Council
Representative,Village of Sipaulovi
25. Letter dated December 14, 2022 from Mark Talayumptewa, Chairman,
Hopi Tribe Pandemic Recovery Committee; RE: Pandemic Recovery Committee Work Session – David Talayumptewa, Tribal Council Representative,
Village of Kykotsmovi
26. Memorandum dated December 30, 2022 from Judith Youvella, Tribal
Secretary; RE: Request for Support Staff Assistance – Anita Bahnimptewa –
David Talayumptewa, Village of Kykotsmovi
27. Presentation by Summit on Flexible Spending Account – David Talayumptewa, Tribal Council Representative, Village of Kykotsmovi - **Time
Certain January 25, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. (Add-on January 24, 2023)
XII. REPORTS
1. Office of the Chairman
2. Office of the Vice Chairman
3. Office of Tribal Secretary
4. Office of the Treasurer
5. Office of the Executive Director - Updated Report – Directive – HTC
Resolution H-058-2021
6. Office of the General Counsel
7. Land Commission
8. Water/Energy Committee
9. Transportation Committee
10. Law & Order Committee
11. Investment Committee - **Time Certain January 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
a. Moencopi Developers Corporation
b. Walpi Housing Management Agreement communications
c. Updating of the Hopi Tribe’s Investment Policy
d. Status of Moenkopi Developers Corporation Hopi Loan
12. Health/Education Committee
13. Building Communities Update on status and objectives of Joint Village
Strategic Planning - Letter dated November 9, 2022 From Brian Cole – William Charley, Tribal Council Representative, Upper Village of Moenkopi **Time Certain January 25, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
14. Pandemic Recovery Committee – Narrative written programmatic report
and financial status regarding the recovery efforts undertaken utilizing said
funds – Wallace Youvella, Jr., Tribal Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
*Hopi Tribal Council may go into Executive Session on any agenda item
**Time Certain Requests

6

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

Meet the 12 Native entrepreneurs building their own path

A new year, a new cohort of Indigenous entrepreneurs who want to change
how business is done

FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE

Submitted by: Change
Labs
Tuba City, Ariz. - February 21, 2023 “What I’m
trying to create is an Indigenous standard to how
we do everything,” says
Ira Vandever, founder of
Turquoise Indigo Fibers.
“An Indigenous standard
means that we use as little
electricity as possible, as
little water as possible.
The carbon footprint is
very low.” Inspired by his
grandmother, Bessie Vandever, Ira applied to the Incubator to get support with
consolidating his ventures
and to connect with other
Native entrepreneurs on
the same path as him.
Ira is joined by Marco Arviso, Sasha Begay,
Albert Haskie, Delphina
Begay, Nathaniel Brown,
Deedra Dallas, Roddell
Denetso, Sahar Khadjenoury, Mackenzi Navenma, Shaina Roanhorse,
and Leander Thomas. All
of whom are bringing their
ideas around strengthening
language preservation, improving childcare, bolstering the creative economy,
and more to their Navajo
and Hopi communities.
“I am immensely proud
of the caliber of ideas represented in this new cohort

of Native business owners,” says Ceceilia Tso, Director of Business Incubation for Change Labs. “We
are always on the lookout
for strong business owners who are up for solving
problems and building our
tribal economy by providing critical services and
products for Navajo and
Hopi Nation.”
Albert Haskie, creator of
Nyzhon Studios, describes
his business as a developer
start-up working to create
an innovative way to blend
the Navajo language and
cultural teachings with
technology.
He started the business
a year ago in Lukachukai,
Arizona, a rural town on
the Navajo Nation with
two of his high school
classmates.
“I’ve always seen the
need for next generation
technology and new ways
to lead our people into
teaching our own language
and culture through technology,” he said.
Haskie’s target audience
is a younger generation of
Navajos and he plans to
offer his program on an
app that would be accessible by phone or computer.
Through his program, he
wants to offer an online
Navajo dictionary, Navajo
language learning videos,
as well as a game to help

people figure out what clan
they are and if they are
related to other Navajos on
the app.
“I’ve always been fascinated in learning the language myself, I’ve always
found challenges along the
way with there not being
as much resources available. I just want to provide
that service to people who
are on that same journey
of learning the language,”
Haskie said.

Albert Haskie

Through the cohort
program, Haskie hopes to
build a stronger foundation
for his business and to be
able to provide excellent
service to his customers.
When he decided to take
on the task of creating his
own business, he did it
hoping that he could be a
role model.

Deedra Dallas

“We really want to incorporate our teachings
into this app. We’re not
trying to make money or
try to pollute you with this
application. We’re trying
to have you find someone
at the end of the day,” he
said. “We’re incorporating
our Navajo teachings into
everything we do. Coding,
programming, application,
even customer service.”
While Haskie works to
bring the Navajo language
and technology together,
another entrepreneur is
working on sharing the

Delphina Begay

Ira Vandever

All photos on pg. 2-3
are by: Raymond Chee

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Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

Meet the 12 Native entrepreneurs building their own path,
continued...

Leander Thomas

Mackenzi Navenma

Marco Arviso

Nathaniel Brown

Sahar Khadjenoury

Sasha Begay

...Navajo culture through her art.
Sasha Begay, the owner of Twin Warrior
Designs located in Sweetwater, Arizona,
specializes in mugs and creating them
with Navajo scenery, stories and phrases.
“I’ve always been interested in art. I
grew up with a lot of artists in my family and I’ve been taking art classes since
elementary,” she said.
The biggest challenge for Begay is finding a design and getting designs to fit on
the mugs. She’s wasted a few mugs figuring out how to make the design work but
its pushed her creativity, she said.
“In the beginning, my goal was to incorporate the Diné language. So, I used common coffee quotes and translated that into
Navajo but I still felt that there was something missing and I wasn’t approaching
my idea the way I wanted to,” she said.
After some research, she decided to
expand from the common coffee quotes
to Navajo Coyote Stories. She wanted to
tap into a part of Navajo culture that she
enjoyed but wasn’t seeing.
“That’s when I knew the direction that
my business had to go and that’s adding
that Diné language, stories and sharing
the culture of being Navajo,” she said.
“The cool thing about it is that I actually
get to share stories that teach others about
our culture and the lessons provided from
those stories.”
For Begay, joining the Change Labs
cohort has been a great motivator.

Shania Roanhorse

All photos on pg. 2-3 are by: Raymond Chee

“I have more drive in doing what I’m
doing now and they give me a brighter
idea of how I can expand from the small
room that I’m in now and that there are
possibilities in succeeding in something,
even though it seems so little,” she said.
“So far with Change Labs, they give me
hope.”
The ability to work with different busi-

7

nesses at different levels is what drew Ira
Vandever to Change Labs.
Vandever is working with Change Labs
to bring his businesses under one name,
Vandever Holding Company LLC, to take
care of all the moving parts and to protect
his businesses and future. One of Vandever’s first businesses is Falling Clouds,
a company that houses a trading post as
well as a catering company. He also owns
Turquoise Indigo Fibers, which produces
natural dyes along with weaving and saddle blankets. The latter has participated
in high fashion shows in New York City
and Vandever is planning a pop-up show
during Paris fashion week this year.
His ventures are inspired by Vandver’s
late grandmother, Bessie Vandever, who
raised nine kids with her husband, Joe
Vandever, Sr., a late Navajo Code Talker.
“What I’m trying to create is an Indigenous standard to how we do everything,”
Vandever said. “An Indigenous standard
means that we use as little electricity as
possible, as little water as possible. Zero
waste, zero duplication of services and
then afterwards the carbon footprint is
very low.”
“There’s something about turning your
work into something you love or a lifestyle and if you love what you do, you
really do find ways,” he said.
The entrepreneurs accepted into the
2023 program also include: Marco Arviso, Delphina Begay, Nathaniel Brown,
Deedra Dallas, Roddell Denetso, Sahar
Khadjenoury, Mackenzi Navenma, Shaina
Roanhorse, and Leander Thomas. To learn
more about our incubator program.

8

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 Emergency Response August 26, 2022
Report (REPUBLISH)
Due to transitions occurring in DHHS the August 26, 2022 COVID 19 report was the latest
data being provided for the public. Until DHHS and Tribal Leadership determines roles of the
Public Health Authority, no reports will be submitted to Hopi Tutuveni. Hopi Tutuveni will
continue republishing this last and latest Covid-19 Report received from DHHS. Although Hopi
is still under Pandemic status and there are active COVID cases on Hopi, until the Hopi DHHS
provides an update this is the only data Hopi Tutuveni has to report to the Hopi public.
KYKOTSMOVI, AZ – July20, 2022
This data is updated on the Hopi Tribe’s website “COVID-19 Response and Resources” page.
Hopi Health Care Center – Community COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Information
COVID-19 vaccines are available in the afternoons on Mondays and Wednesdays for the
month of July for those 6 months and older. To schedule an appointment call (928) 737-6148 or
737-6081.
Appointments are required. For questions about COVID-19 vaccines please call (928) 7376198 or 737-6197.
COVID-19 Testing Drive-up Testing schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM – 9:00
AM. Enter at the west entrance & drive around back. Mask must be worn by everyone in your
vehicle. Please stay in your vehicle at all times. To schedule for testing or for more information
please call (928) 737- 6187 or 6233.
A COVID-19 Hotline has been created by the Hopi Health Care Center to assist with all
COVID-19 related questions and service requests. The hotline is open Monday–Friday from 8
AM – 5 PM. To contact the COVID-19 hotline please call (928) 737-6187.
WHEN USING AN AT-HOME TEST IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REPORT
YOUR RESULTS TO THE
COVID-19 HOTLINE AT HOPI HEALTH CARE CENTER OR TUBA CITY REGIONAL
HEALTH CARE CORPORATION SO THAT ACCURATE DATA IS PROVIDED TO THE
COMMUNITY.
VACCINE UPDATE:
On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of
the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention
of COVID-19 to include use in children down to 6 months of age. For more detailed information
please visit www.cdc.gov
TUBA CITY REGIONAL HEALTH CARE CORPORATION (TCRHCC) COVID-19 TESTING & VACCINATION INFORMATION:
Testing, and now vaccinations, at TCRHCC are being held at the outdoor tent Monday – Friday
from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daylight Savings Time. Rapid and CEPHEID tests can take approximately 3 hours. Send out tests can take 2-3 days. The address for Tuba City Regional Health Care
Corporation is 167 N. Main Street, Tuba City, AZ. For more information regarding Tuba City
Regional Health Care Corporation’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic and testing, please call 1-866976-5941. TCRHCC has at-home COVID-19 test kits available for the community. To request a
test kit please go through the drive up tent from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daylight Savings Time or go
to the pharmacy drive up window after hours.
FREE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS:
You can now order free at-home COVID-19 tests from the U.S. government at covidtests.gov
by calling 1-800-232- 0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Only 4 tests come in an order and only two
orders per household. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Please do not wait to order your tests
when you have been exposed or become symptomatic as the tests will not arrive in enough time
for you to be tested. So please order them now so that you and your loved ones can be prepared.
Households that did not place their first two orders of test kits, can now place their first, second,
AND third order. They must complete the ordering process above three (3) times to place both a
first, second, and third order (for a total of 16 test kits; 4 kits for first order, 4 kits for second order,
8 kits for third order).
FREE N-95 MASKS: The CDC now has a resource on their website where you can see a list
of local pharmacies that have free N-95 masks by using your zip code. Click here or call 1-800232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION CALCULATOR:
The CDC now has a Quarantine and Isolation calculator that helps determine how long you
need to isolate or quarantine.
SYMPTOMS, QUARANTINE, AND ISOLATION:
Watch for Symptoms - people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported –
ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to

the virus and can range from mild to severe. The following are COVID-19 symptoms that people
may experience:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
•New loss of taste or smell
•Sore throat
•Congestion or runny nose
•Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we
learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious
complications from COVID-19 illness.”
Currently, the local health department and HHCC are implement the previously recommended
CDC guidelines which is a 10 day isolation for those who test positive and a 14 day quarantine
for those exposed to an infected individual.
(GLOSSARY ON PG. 5)
Be aware that when someone tests positive they became contagious 2 days before they developed symptoms, or if they are not experiencing symptoms 2 days before they tested positive not
the day they received their results. If someone was less than 6 feet away from a potential positive
case for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period they would be considered
a close contact regardless of whether or not both parties were wearing masks. For example, Molly
was within 6 feet of Craig on Thursday night for 10 minutes and on Friday morning for 5 minutes.
Craig developed symptoms Saturday evening, was tested for COVID on Monday, and received
their results on Wednesday. Because Molly was within 6 feet of Craig for a total of 15 minutes
over a 24 hour period within the 2 day timeframe she is now considered to be a close contact. If
you have been identified as a close contact you may or may not need to quarantine depending on
your vaccination status.
If an unvaccinated individual that is not positive is having to take care of someone that is infected, they will need to quarantine for 14 days beginning on the infected person’s 10th day of
isolation, with that day being Day 0 and the following day being Day 1. That means the caregiver
could potentially be out of work for 24 days. If a vaccinated person that is not positive is having
to take care of someone that is infected, they will not have to quarantine but will need to get
tested 5 days from the 10th day of the infected person’s isolation. If a vaccinated person develops
symptoms while caring for an infected person they will need to get tested as soon as possible and
remain at home until they receive their results.
Re-testing of COVID-19 Positive Employees. Per guidance and alignment with HHCC, CDC,
state and local health departments, and OSHA workplace guidance for COVID-19 re-testing of
positive or suspected COVID-19 employees before they return to work, nor providing letters to
go back to work is not recommended.
The recommended reason for not re-testing is an individual may continue to test positive on
a viral test long after they are recovered from COVID-19. These dead viral particles will turn
viral tests positive even though they cannot cause disease in others. The Hopi Health Care Center
strongly encourages employers to use the CDC’s symptom and criteria below even if they continue to test positive. Once they meet the three criteria, they are no longer considered infectious
to others. However, if the employee was severely ill (hospitalized) or in immunocompromised,
plead advise them to visit their primary care provide before returning to work.
The “checklist” below has been updated as of the most recent COVID-19 guidelines from the
CDC and will be used by employers to determine when an employee with confirmed COVID-19
may return to work safely. For additional questions, please call the Hopi Health Care Center
COVID-19 hotline (928) 737-6188.
□ It’s been at last ten days since I first had symptoms or received my positive diagnosis if I’ve
not had symptoms (please note date of first symptoms: (________)
□ Overall my symptoms have improved and I am feeling better.
□ It’s been at least 72 hours since I last had a fever without using fever-reducing medicine.
If you checked all three boxes, you are no longer a considered at risk to infect others and can
go back to work!

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 Emergency Response, Cont. (REPUBLISH)

9

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

10

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Food Service

Public notice is hereby given that Second Mesa Day School is accepting
competitive sealed proposals from qualified and eligible (licensed) firms
and individuals for their Food Service Project for School Year 2023-2024.
All Requests for Proposals (RFP) must be submitted prior to the closing date
of March 31, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. (MST) to be considered for selection. Late
proposals will be disqualified. In order to be considered for selection, bidders
must submit a complete response to the RFP. RFP Packets are available a the
SMDS Procurement Office or via email. For more information, contact Alice
Snyder at Alice.Snyder@secondmesa.org or call (928) 737-2571, ext. 4208.
Second Mesa Day School reserves the right to reject any and all proposals
submitted, to waive any information or irregularities, and to advertise in its
best interest; and to request additional information from all proposers. Hopi
Owned and Non-Hopi Owned firms and individuals are invited to respond
to this RFP. Interested firms and individuals will be evaluated in accordance
with the requested proposal and applicable law. Bidders should note that any
and all work intended to be subcontracted as part of the bid submittal must be
accompanied by background materials and references for proposed subcontract(s)-No Exceptions.
Sealed bids mailed to: Alice Snyder, Second Mesa Day School
Highway 264 at Texaco Junction
P.O. Box 98
Second Mesa, Arizona 86043

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Request for Proposals for Special Education Services: Special Education
Ancillary/Related Services, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language
Therapist, School Psychologist, ESS Counselor, and Physical Therapist
Public notice is hereby given that the Second Mesa Day School Exceptional
Student Services Department is accepting competitive sealed proposals from
qualified and eligible (licensed) firms and individuals for school year 20232024. All Request for Proposals (RFP) must be submitted prior to the closing
date, March 31, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. MST to be considered for selection. Late
proposals will be disqualified. In order to be considered for selection, bidders
must submit a complete response to the RFP. RFP packets are available at the
SMDS Procurement Office or via email. For more information, contact Alice
Snyder at: Alice.Snyder@secondmesa.org or call (928)737-2571, ext.4208.
Second Mesa Day School Exceptional Student Services Department reserves
the right to reject any and all proposals submitted to waive any information or
irregularities and to advertise in its best interest and to request additional information from all proposers. Hopi Owned and Non-Hopi Owned firms and individuals are invited to respond to this RFP. Interested firms and individuals will
be evaluated in accordance with the requested proposal and applicable law.
Sealed bids mailed to: Alice Snyder, Second Mesa Day School – Exceptional
Student Services Department - Highway 264 at Texaco Junction
P.O. Box 98 Second Mesa, Arizona 86043

The Hopi Tribe P.O. Box 123 Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039
Ph: (928) 734-3281 • Ph: (928) 734-3283
Editorial Board of the Hopi Tutuveni
Wilma Dengavi , Gary LaRance, George Mase
Hopi Tutuveni Staff
Managing Editor - Romalita Laban
RLaban@hopi.nsn.us

ARTICLES:
The Hopi Tutuveni welcomes
original articles reporting on
local, state and national news
items on issues related to Hopi
or of interest to Tutuveni readers.
We are especially interested
in articles reporting on issues
impacting the Hopi community or on events and activities
involving members of the Hopi
Tribe. Articles should not exceed
750 words and should follow
Associated Press (AP) style and
formatting. The Managing Editor
reserves the right to edit articles
for style, length and clarity. If
significant editing is required, the
Managing Editor will communicate with the author prior to
publication.
PRESS RELEASES:
Press releases must be submitted
on official letterhead and include
the name of the organization,
contact person, telephone
number and email address. Press
releases should not exceed 500
words and submissions may be
edited for length and clarity at
the discretion of the Managing
Editor.
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR:
Letters should not exceed 250
words and must include the
name of the author and complete
contact information (address,
phone number or email address)

CIRCULATION

and the headline and date of
the article on which you are
commenting. Anonymous letters
and letters written under pseudonyms will not be published.
The Tutuveni Editorial Board
reviews all submissions and
reserves the right not to publish
letters it considers to be highly
sensitive or potentially offensive
to readers, or that may be libelous
or slanderous in nature.
OPINION EDITORIALS:
Submissions must be exclusive
to Hopi Tutuveni and should not
exceed 1,000 words. Include with
your submission your name and
complete contact information,
along with a short 2-3-sentence
bio.
SUBMISSION
INSTRUCTIONS:
All press releases, articles, letters
to the editor and Opinion Editorials electronically as a Word
document or as plain text in the
body of an email to the Managing Editor, Romalita Laban. Articles, press releases and editorials
that include photographs must
be in high resolution, 300dpi
or more and must be your own.
All photographs must include
photo credit and a caption for
each photo listing the names of
all persons included in the photo
and description of what the photo is about. (call 928-734-3283
for deadline schedule).

The Hopi Tutuveni is published twice a month, with a circulation
of 2,500 copies throughout the entire Hopi Reservation. The paper
is delivered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month to the
following locations: Moenkopi Travel Center, Moenkopi Legacy
Inn, Hotevilla Store, Kykotsmovi Village Store, Tribal Government
Complex, Hopi Cultural Center, Hopi Health Care Center, Polacca
Circle M, Keams Canyon Store.

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

Former TCRHCC CEO Bonar being recognized tonight by The
White House for work in establishing cancer center at Tuba City

11
Hopi Tribal Council
Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma,
Chairman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Craig Andrews
Vice Chairman

Submitted by: George Joe, Creative Copywriter - Office of Communications TCRHCC

Judith Youvella
Tribal Secretary

Tuba City, Ariz. — February 7, 2023 Former Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation CEO Lynette Bonar, who retired in mid-January, has been invited by the White House to sit alongside First Lady
Jill Biden in the viewing box for President Biden’s State of the Union tonight at 9 pm (ET).
Ms. Bonar will be among 20 special guests which includes rock star Bono, from the band U2.
The White House’s press release states, “Each of these individuals were invited by the White House
because they personify issues or themes to be addressed by the President in his speech, or they embody
the Biden-Harris Administration’s policies at work for the American people. The Second Gentleman, Mr.
Douglas Emhoff, will also join the First Lady in the viewing box.”

Nada Talayumptewa,
Tribal Treasurer
Alfonso Sakeva,
Sergeant-At-Arms
Village of Upper
Moenkopi
William Charley
Danny Humetewa Sr.
Leroy Sumatzkuku
Michael Elmer

According to the release, Ms. Bonar will be recognized for her pioneering work in establishing the first
cancer center on the Navajo Nation in Tuba City, Ariz.

Village of Bakabi
Marilyn Fredericks
Ruth Kewanimptewa
Dwayne Secakuku

In an email to TCRHCC staff this afternoon, CEO Joette Walters said, “I am excited to share with you
that our former CEO Ms. Lynette Bonar will be an honored guest of Dr. Biden at the State of the Union address,” she said. “Ms. Bonar moved ‘mountains’ to improve care for our community - her invitation to the
White House is a recognition well deserved.”

Village of Kyakotsmovi
David Talayumptewa
Gary P. Kelhoyouma
Danny Honanie
Herman G. Honanie

The White House press release states:
“Bonar is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. She was a sergeant and former medic in the U.S.
Army. She spent 19 years providing clinical care as a Registered Nurse and Executive at the Tuba City
Regional Health Care Corporation, including eight years as Chief Executive Officer. In 2019, Dr. Biden
joined Bonar to celebrate the opening of the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation’s Specialty Care
Center which was the first cancer center opened on a Native American reservation, bringing cancer treatment and other oncology services to the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribal members who
previously had to travel great distances to receive care.”
Ms. Bonar said, “I am truly honored to have been the CEO of a Title V Tribal PL 93-638 Indian Self Determination Health Care Organization, which allowed TCRHCC to extend lives and/or improve the quality
of life of our oncology patients.”
The State of the Union can be watched live here:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/blog/2023/02/04/how-to-watch-president-bidens-2023-stateof-the-union-address/
Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation is a 73-bed regional referral medical center in Tuba City,
Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. TCHRCC service area is 6,000 square miles and covers the western
region of the Navajo and Hopi Nation. TCRHCC has received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and accreditation, the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health
care.
###

Village of Sipaulavi
Rosa Honanie
Anita Bahnimptewa
Raymond Namoki
Village of Mishongnovi
Arthur Batala
Ronald Humeyestewa
Marilyn Tewa
Mervin Yoyetewa
First Mesa Consolidated
Villages
Albert T. Sinquah
Dale Sinquah
Wallace Youvella, Jr.
Vacant

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

12

Hopilavit - Everyday words
K
A
N
S
U
L
M
O
N
G
W
I
T
A
V
U
N

Are you into drawing

COMICS?

Submit your comics to
rlaban@hopi.nsn.us
Or
Call 928-734-3281
To find out more

Drawing comics is a great way to show your
drawing skills and your side of Hopi Humor.
If you have the skill and the humor to draw comics
for the Hopi Tutuveni
DISCLAIMER: Comics submitted will become property of Hopi
Tutuveni. Name of artist will be
displayed and not edited when submitted. Hopi Tutuveni has
the right to publish submitted comics.

Y
W
I
I
K
I
Y
M
A
W
K
O
U
N
M
Y
H

E
F
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P
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O

S M I S M
T U M A L
J U T P A
S P J P C
D I L T O
F T V M A
I A A A P
Y N S W V
O A P O V
H K O A I
O T A K A
T S U Q P
I Y T A B
I K A V O
Y T A L A
O Q E H I
P I
I Q A

U
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Y A W
Y A B
A Q N
U A P
N W O
D I
I
Y S G
T T F
U O A
K H J
O G O
P K A
N I W
A Q O
I K I
H I K
S I N

A
D
X
M
K
N
G
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H
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T
S
A
P
S
O
O

G
Z
O
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N
W
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N
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K
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A
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F
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S T
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Q Q
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Q I
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H U
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J A
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P K

HOPI WORDS

Kyesmismuyaw - December

Wiiki’yma - Guide (Singular)

Tuwi’yta - Able (skillful)

Pö’i’yta - Debt (Have)

Sivaqöpqö - Heater

Yuki’at - Accomplishment

Öqala - Determined

Hopiiqatsi - Hopi Way of Life

Tukopna - Accuse

Alögö - Different

Nù’okwa - Kind Hearted

Hintsakpi - Activity

Hötsiwa - Doorway

Ngahu - Medicine

Pu’ason - Afterward

Hiihiko - Drink

Muytala - Moon Light

Qe’ti - Back out of

Nan’ip - Each (of two)

Tömö - Season (Winter)

Novaki - Bakery

Tutuqayiw - Education

Nuvati - Snowed

Tuptsiwni - Belief

Töövu - Ember

Nawini - Suggestion

Kwusiva - Bring

Tumal’aya - Employee

Tsangaw - Thank Goodness

Pàato - Burst

Tunatya - Endeavor

Kyaamuya - Winter (Solstice)

Pitanakts - Cap/Hat

Naatsiki - Factionalize

Hihìiyà - Wow!

Sikiki - Car (Auto)

Qöpqö - Fire place

Kansulmongwi - Chairman

Saavu - Fire wood

Namora - Choice

Tuuqayta - Fluent

Iyoho’ti - Cold (Weather)

Qalaptu - Get Over (Recover)

TICK-TACK-TOE

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

13

Larry’s Corner

See the problem is...

Growing up on the reservation taught me that everything out here is tough to accomplish. I mean, living on
the reservation…life is hard. You would have to work for
everything from food to education and everything in between.
But when I was growing up, I don’t think I ever paid attention to how life was for me then. When you’re a mush
head kitten, it seems you ignore the bad things in your
childhood. Of course, we all have scars, but look at us
now; we’re entirely “NORMAL.”
When you’re a mush head kitten, you don’t think about
the bad things in the “now” REZ life, like drugs and alcohol. Back then, energy, as a simple force, was accessible.
All you had to do was wait till your parents called you
into the house. Or, you could eat at someone’s house, and
they would take you home afterward, right?
As kittens, we knew that there were drugs and alcohol
in the village, but it was never a bother because it was
frowned upon. We would make fun of the village drunks,
and they would cower in shame for what they did. But
nowadays, the entire village seems to be one big drunk
person. And it’s easy to be one big intoxicated person because you can buy alcohol and drugs on the reservation.
All you must do is go next door and ask. Even the “grandma” next door will say, “$20 for a bottle”… it’s that easy.
It’s strange because, in a short amount of time, drugs
and alcohol have shaped and impacted the Hopi community drastically. The drunks we use to make fun of that
cowered in shame seem to have no shame at all. When
did that change? Now we don’t make fun of them anymore. We say, “Daha is drunk again,”…and we go back
to our daily business.
Younger kids already know what a drunken person
looks like even before their first birthday. It’s like we
have engrained drugs and alcohol into our Hopi culture
now, and we accept that it’s part of our everyday tradition.
With drugs and alcohol now seeming to be part of our
culture, killing and stealing acts are followed closely.

See, when I was growing up, I thought that killing and
stealing were only on TV or in the big city. I would have
never thought that those types of words would ever be
used on the Hopi reservation because it was never part of
our vocabulary when I was growing up. But now we hear
that every day in the community and on Facebook. Of
course, we have a legal system that tries to improve our
“problem” but even that is broken and when you have an
entire reservation full of drugs and alcohol, the problem
seems to be growing from generation to generation.
So how can we solve this reservation-wide problem?
That is one question I don’t have a solution for. It’s like
trying to solve a division problem that we haven’t seen in
over 20 years. We cannot solve it, but that doesn’t mean
there isn’t a solution. It just means that this problem is
something that the entire reservation must come up with
and not just a single person or group.
Of course, in schools, we teach our children about
the dangers of drugs and alcohol by showing them what
could happen to them if they do “go down that path.” And
it seems somewhere down the road, they will eventually try drugs and alcohol, and some will become addicted
and others will not, but I guess it’s how we are all raised.
Do we accept that drugs and alcohol are part of the Hopi
culture now? Or do we put a barrier between us to not see
the absolute truth?
When I think of the word “STEAL,” it seems that it
is always used on Facebook. Every time I read it, it will
say something like, “Someone stole my Hopi belt” or
“Someone stole my grandma’s walker.” We are getting
to the point where “BIG CITY” problems are becoming
our problems. Why don’t we do anything about it? Well,
I say it’s because we know that person’s grandmother,
grandfather or relative and they are good people. We are
all scared to accuse someone of stealing because of the
thought of what might happen if we accuse someone for
stealing.
I’m pretty sure that a long time ago, when a Hopi per-

Want to send Larry something? Send to: PO BOX 123, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039
Want to send Larry email? Send to: rlaban@hopi.nsn.us

son was caught stealing, it was dealt with in a village
setting where the person who stole something would do
something to work off their debt to the community. Or
that person would be shamed into not stealing anymore
by having their behavior corrected by the village and not
just an individual. But it’s not like that anymore; we are
a close community, yet we are miles apart because we
don’t know who our neighbors are anymore.
Of course, we have several groups who educate the
community about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and
I applaud them for that. At least they are trying to make
a change for our Hopi people. But, when you have just a
simple group trying to make a change, it is not enough
to make a dent, but they try, and they will continue to
educate the Hopi community about the dangers of drugs
and alcohol. Every Hopi family here on the Hopi reservation has a person who drinks those lives with them, and it
seems that we are forced to accept them as they are.
So, let me ask, is it ok to do that? Is it ok to treat them
like this is part of our culture now? So, what can we do?
I guess that’s something we must “individually” come
up with as a solution. Sometimes we will try to come up
with answers like rehab centers or more PSA’s about the
“DANGERS OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL,”… but are
they working? How can we keep the dangers of drugs and
alcohol away from kids?
I advise you that drugs and alcohol are touchy subjects
on the Hopi reservation. Some will not want to look at the
truth of this epidemic, and some will try to improve the
problem. Educating our younger generation about these
problems is one thing. Eventually, they will not be mush
heads anymore, so they will have to be the ones to come
up with their solution to this problem. All we can do is
try to make sure we are all adults and show our younger
generation that there is still hope in this Hopi world of
ours and one without so much of an impact from drugs
and alcohol if we could just choose not to use either one,
even for one day at a time.

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

14

By: Kolby KickingWoman ICT
Washington, D.C. — Some of the most powerful
and influential women in Indian Country gathered
Wednesday for the 27th Annual National Indian
Women “Supporting Each Other” Honor Lunch
during the National Congress of American Indians
Executive Council Winter Session.
Over the course of a little over 90 minutes, love
and laughter was shared in what has become an
event that many look forward to.
It began in 1994 when the first female president
of NCAI, Veronica Homer, Colorado River Indian
Tribes, brought together a small group of Native
women in Washington, D.C. to discuss the “need
to promote, honor and recognize the accomplishments of Native Women Leaders during the NCAI
Conferences and related activities.”
Over the years, a number of women have been
honored including Sharice Davids, Ho-Chunk; Denise Juneau, Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Tribes, and
a descendant of the Blackfeet Tribe and the Tlingit
and Haida Tribesand Nedra Darling, Prairie Band
Potawatomi Nation and Cherokee, to name a few.
This year, Marilynn Malerba, Mohegan Tribe,
and Shannon Holsey, Stockbridge Munsee Band of
Mohican Indians, were the honorees.
Before the two were given their awards and honor blankets, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan,

White Earth Band of Ojibwe, gave the keynote
address.
Flanagan spoke of the women, “the aunties,”
who brought her into this circle. She shared her
love and appreciation for them and thanked them
for the support they have shown her over the
years.
Those women include Julie Johnson, Cecilia
Fire Thunder, Rachel Joseph and others.
Peggy Flanagan hugs Julie Johnson, left. (Photo
by Kolby KickingWoman, ICT)
“There are people in this room, that you all had
a vision for us to be connected, to be that support
for one another,” Flanagan said.
She went on to say that her generation of women
are ready to take the torch and continue to blaze
the trail for those that will come after them.
Aside from being lieutenant governor, Flanagan
said one of her most important roles is being one
of the co-founders of Advance Native Political
Leadership.
“This is work that was very much inspired by
all of the aunties in this room,” she said. “It is
creating a more formal network and support to this
work that has been happening since time immemorial.”
She noted 118 Native candidates that ran for
office in 2022, the most ever, and 78 won their
races. Additionally, women won at a higher rate

than men, “which should come as a surprise to no
one in this room,” Flanagan said.
In both of their respective speeches, Malerba
and Holsey spoke of the support systems they’ve
had in their lives and how they wouldn’t be where
they are today without them.
“The only reason that I’m standing before you
today is because I’ve been blessed by tribal leaders, family and professional mentors who have
nurtured me, supported me and most importantly,
believed in me every step of the way,” Malerba
said.
She is chief of the Mohegan Tribe and last year
became the first Native and first Native woman to
serve as U.S. Treasurer. Malerba started her career
in nursing and it is there she said she found her
voice.
Ernie Stevens, gifted Marilynn Malerba flowerss
(Photo by Kolby KickingWoman, ICT)
One of her favorite quotes is from Mark Twain
that says, “To succeed in life you need two things,
confidence and ignorance.” Both of which Malerba believes she has.
An enduring symbol in Mohegan culture is the
trail of life, a linear curvy line from east to west
that represents the ups and downs of life, with dots
along it representing the people one meets.

Contin. pg. 15

Hopi Tutuveni March 1, 2023

15

Cycle breakers celebrated at women’s luncheon

Two notable Native women were recognized in Washington at annual luncheon, continued...
“I am forever grateful for the people who have
shared my journey with me,” Malerba said.
“Women create life and in doing so ensure the
world will go on. We must honor the legacy that we
have been given by creating a world that we can be
proud of.”
Both Malerba and Holsey said they were humbled to be honored at the lunch among the heroes
and sheroes they’ve looked up to and been inspired
by.
Halsey shouted out all Native women and what
they continue to accomplish. Specifically, she cited
how powerful it was to watch Malerba be sworn in
as treasurer and Fawn Sharp at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Native women are cycle breakers and deserve to
be celebrated for their tenacity, she said.
Shannon Holsey is honored and wrapped in a
blanket (Photo by Kolby KickingWoman, ICT)
“Native women are amazing people and they
belong in all spaces and they can do anything that
they choose to be,” Halsey said. “While personal
circumstances can be wide ranging, one thing is for
sure that women are resilient and they're courageous.”
The biggest successes in her life have come on the
heels of failure and Holsey’s father always told her,
“if you’re not hitting a few guard rails, you aren’t
going fast enough,” which got a laugh from the
crowd.
“The world said ‘be invisible, but she heard

invincible.’ The question isn't who’s going to let us,
the question is who's going to stop us?” Halsey said.
“Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment,
toughness, hurt, talent, guts; that's what little girls
are made of. The heck with sugar and spice, that's
something you cook with.”
She encouraged all the women to continue to
show up, be courageous, keep paving the way forward and claim their power.
“It's like frybread and women, if you don't let
them rise, it's not going to turn out well.”
BY KOLBY KICKINGWOMAN
Kolby KickingWoman, Blackfeet/A'aniih is a
reporter/producer for Indian Country Today. He
is from the great state of Montana and currently
reports for the Washington Bureau. For hot sports
takes and too many Lakers tweets, follow him on
Twitter - @KDKW_406. Email - kkickingwoman@
indiancountrytoday.com

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Hopi Tutuveni August 17, 2022

16

Weatherization
Assistance program
No-cost, energy-efficient
home improvements

APS customers who own a home on Navajo or Hopi tribal land may be eligible for no-cost,
energy-efficient home improvements that could help lower your energy bill, including:
• Air sealing
• Improved insulation
• Heating, cooling and air quality
The energy-efficient improvements are made through Red Feather Development Group.
To learn more and see if you qualify, call Red Feather at 928-440-5119.

More ways to save on your energy bill
Our Energy Support program offers qualified customers a 25%
discount on their energy bill every month. To see if you qualify
and find other assistance resources, visit aps.com/assistance.

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Ahopi_arizona%3Ae5c2e85c3ecf6433. Public record. Not legal advice.