Hopi Christmas in a Kiva. December 1, 2023
<p>On December 1, 2023, we joined a group of dedicated volunteers to visit Hopiland. Together, we brought wood for fuel, cottonwood for kachina doll making, call for ceremonies, food, and clothing.</p><p>Orlan, who is a member of the Yellow Fox Clan, owns a kiva in the village of Moenkopi, which is next to Tuba City, AZ. Orlan invited us to enter his kiva where we could discuss spiritual matters. Eighty-three volunteers fitted into this humble structure. We were there for over 2 hours, and Orlan spoke to us and talked about the Hopi ways, how when, they get together for their ceremonies in the kivas, they pray for all humanity and for us to return to the peaceful simple ways of life and living.</p><p>He said a prayer in the Hopi tongue for us and let one of our Christian brothers pray as well. Mike sweat, who runs the nonprofit organization <a href="http://UnitedRain.org">UnitedRain.org</a>, and it has helped to get volunteers to assist the Hopi, reminded us more than once how rare and blessed of an occasion this was to enter a kiva as an outsider. He was only aware of this happening with four other individuals on past occasions. This may have been the first time that a Christian prayer was ever offered in a kiva.</p><p>In this video, we will chronicle our trip, some things that we learned, and some efforts being made to assist these people and to feel their love and humility. We sincerely hope this podcast will encourage people to get involved in helping them further their economic prosperity as they seek for replacement revenue from losing coal mining jobs and receipts for the sale of coal, which previously provided important financial stability to their communities.</p>
