[Apparently in response to recent books and activities by non-Hopi visitors and unauthorized local "self-appointed leaders and spokespersons," the following article was published in the official Hopi reservation newspaper.Responses should be sent to Hopi Tutuveni, P.O. Box 123, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039, NOT to me. I have been authorized to pass on previously published information as necessary, but NOT to speak for the Hopi Tribe in conjunction with such information. All official responses must come from the parties involved, or the editors themselves. --Iyami (cdm@azstarnet.com)]
Published in the
In a historic meeting held on January 3, 1997 at the Kokop clan house in Hotevila, members of the four Hopi religious priesthoods decided to restrict access to the village. Severe limitations were put on a new-age interpretation and appropriation of Hopi religious practices which include the disassembling of their shrines on Hotevila lands.They also agreed to expose self appointed leaders and spokespersons of Hotevila.
Kyashongewa, Neil Kayquaptewa, who called for the meeting, stated, "All my life we here in Hotevila have been plagued by self appointed leaders who have created confusion in this village with the support of outsiders. We have talked about meeting on this for a number of years, and now the priesthood members have made their decision."
Neil, who is 82 years old has been appointed through traditional practices to lead the village through the current cycle.
It was decided to invoke the kiva practices which require each member to state his position and truth from the authority of the kiva into which they have been initiated, which is also considered his home.
STATEMENT OF WIWIMKYAM OF HOTEVILA: OUR TUNATYA
We the ordained members of the first Wimi, the original religious instruction, have gathered on this day of January 5, 1997 at the Kokop clan house in Hotevila. In consultation among the four priesthoods Aalt, Wuwuchim, Tataukyam and Kwankwant together we set forth out tunatya, our wishes:
- That all people outside of our village and our jurisdiction stop interfering in our religious affairs and religious practices and that the village ceremonial and religious events are closed to non-Hopis.
- That all non-Hopi shrines be obliterated from Hotevila lands.
- That self designated religious leaders be exposed and stopped.
- That all people accepting our hospitality learn and accept our ways of proper conduct and respect, before entering our village."
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