About the Ancestors Project
The Footprints of the Ancestors: Intergenerational Learning of Hopi History and Culture project’s main goal is to bring together Hopi high-school youth and a team of Hopi elders, Hopi cultural specialists, and scholars in an interactive, experiential, and collaborative learning experience of Hopi culture and history. To accomplish our goals, project participants take part in outdoor educational activities at several Hopi ancestral places such as the San Juan River, Kawestima National Monument, and Homolovi State Park. Youth is gaining more knowledge about Hopi language, environment, sustainability, food, ethnobotany, community, and cultural preservation. In addition, they are creating “Digital Hopi Youth Guides” in the form of websites, films, and podcasts to communicate their gained knowledge to a broader Hopi and non-Hopi audience.
San Juan River Venue
The primary goal of the San Juan River venue is to promote intergenerational learning of Hopi history and culture through the theme of food. Because food is so incredibly social and central to Hopi culture, community, and identity, it provides a unique opportunity to explore Hopi history and culture. Food is a natural theme along the San Juan River and the abundant archaeological and natural resources convey a long term perspective on the changes in our food system—from prehistoric hunting and gathering to modern day ranching. By utilizing the theme of food, other topics such as language, clan migration, and ethnobotany will be explored. Ancient rock art along the river will be observed and discussed. In addition, this program intends to help develop increased cultural identity related to place.
Kawestima Venue
The main goal of the Kawestima (Navajo National Monument) venue is for Hopi youth to learn Hopi history and culture through the theme of community. Community is integral to Hopi culture; yet, Hopi history demonstrates dramatic changes in community life. Youth will develop an understanding of these changes through the study of architecture and the roles of community members. By exploring the village layout, architecture, and artifacts at Kiet Siel, Hopi youth will better understand changes community life. In addition, a detailed examination of the cliff dwelling’s local setting in relation to the broader region will widen the youth’s understanding of geography and the importance of landscape in community development.
Homolovi Venue
The primary goal of the Homolovi State Park venue is to promote intergenerational learning of Hopi history and culture through the theme of cultural connections. Most of the large sites in the Park are very late in prehistory and are relatively close to the Hopi Mesas. Hopi elders have vivid memories that are passed down orally about the sites. Because of this close connection, Homolovi represents an ideal location to learn about Hopi’s cultural connection with the recent past. In addition, the Hopi Tribe has been in collaborative discussions with Park managers about assuming management of the Park. This allows an incredible opportunity for Hopi youth to be involved in management development plan for Homolovi State Park. Their perspective can help formulate how Hopi cultural resources are managed.
