Ferrell Secakuku

Hopi elder and 'cultural ambassador'
Ferrell Secakuku dies at 69

Ferrell Secakuku, a Hopi leader and resident elder in Northern Arizona University's Applied Indigenous Studies program, died July 25. He was 69.

Mr. Secakuku was chairman of the Hopi Tribe from 1994 to 1997 and helped resolve a longtime land dispute between the tribe and the Navajo Nation. In 2006, Mr. Secakuku earned a master's degree in anthropology from NAU and became an elder advisor in the Applied Indigenous Studies program. He received a bachelor's degree in business from NAU in 1964.

Mr. Secakuku was devoted to preserving Hopi cultural traditions for future generations.

"Ferrell's vision was to open Hopi culture to outsiders, to help others understand Hopi values and traditions, and in so doing bring mutual understanding and acceptance between both cultures," said Liz Grobsmith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "Ferrell was the cultural ambassador par excellence. His death is an incredible loss to both the Hopi and non-Indian worlds."

Mr. Secakuku, born and raised in the village of Sipaulovi, was a businessman, a farmer, a fine art painter and a Hopi elder who helped prepare his Snake Clan's religious ceremonies. He produced and marketed Hopi teaching language CDs and DVDs and spoke about his life to students at NAU and community events.

"As a traditional leader, Ferrell contributed enormously to our mission. He lightened my load with his humor and had a good heart for all," said Octaviana Trujillo, chair of Applied Indigenous Studies.

"Ferrell Secakuku was a man who lived his life with humility, grace, humor and a sense of purpose larger than himself," said Chris Downum, an associate professor in anthropology. "Although it might seem that he passed on just as he was getting started in his new career as a Hopi anthropologist, he had already done much important work and he has left behind a great legacy of stories, songs and insights."

Mr. Secakuku is survived by six daughters, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Secakuku's traditional Hopi burial was on July 26.