"Paavahu, Water Resources, are highly valued by the Hopi as a main source of life in a harsh and arid environment. The central focus in Hopi ceremonial life is the propitiation of moisture in its various forms. Moisture provides for the domestic and agricultural needs of Hopi people as well as the supernatural and spiritual essence of Hopitutskwa, the Hopi indigenous lands. As a valuable natural resource to the Hopi people, water must be protected and conserved so that we may all fulfill our ultimate stewardship responsiblity: the needs of our children and future generations for this life giving resource."
Hopi Land Stewardship: An Integrated Resources Management Plan for the Hopi Reservation, U.S. Dept of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs |
"Many years ago, we do not know how many years ago, people were living in another world, underworld, where life was good for a time but later on...they got to a place where all life was beginning to be disrupted...(They) disregarded the life of the Hopi people. The leaders..were also disregarded. People began going on their own way of doing things which brought this life to corruption. The leaders began thinking about going off to other places...they finally came to this person who was living here at this time. His name was Màasaw...there were other persons with him, the Spider Woman who keeps the fire going and two nephews, Pakonghoya and Polinghoya. The people (the Hopis) came and asked for permission, if they would be allowed to come and live, and Màasaw said he would be very glad but he said it would be up to them if they would be willing to live according to his way of life...So in this way after agreeing and making an oath that they would live this life and never abandon it at any time, they came to this land"
Andrew Hermequaftewa: Hopi Hearings, July15-30, BIA Phoenix Area Office Hopi Agency, pg 79 |
