Village of Walpi Begins Plan For Program And Project Development

Perched high on First Mesa is the most picturesque village located on the easternmost sector of the Hopi reservation, terraced onto a narrow sandstone table with cliff-edge traditional houses overlooking vast scenic vistas.

The village boasts of more than an 1100-year history, which has continued to attract hundreds of visitors and tourists each year.

One of 12 villages throughout the reservation, Walpi now requires a facelift to preserve and protect its natural beauty which can then be shared with the world for many more years. This has become the impetus of the villages that have prioritized essential projects for the safety and welfare of all who partake in this magnificent wonder, especially the residents.

Through three public meetings for the villagers during this calendar year, the villagers themselves have planned and prioritized short and long-term project, programs and services to meet their practical needs. This collaborative process was accomplished consistently with the Hopit Potskwaniat (the Hopi Tribe’s Consolidated Strategic Plan) and the Hopi Tribe’s Expenditure Authorization and Appropriations Language for fiscal years 1998 through 2001.

The village administration, at the wishes and direction of the villagers, have completed four essential projects so far including the Wood/Coal Hauling Project, (backside), the Retaining Wall Project and the Interior Wall/Piki House Project, which was a major undertaking. The latter three projects have augmented the aesthetics of the village.

The project crew is presently working on the Stabilization Project (front side), Bread Oven Project and Home Dance Trail Improvement Project. Also the Summer Youth Program for 20 participants between the ages of 11 and 18 which began on July 2, will run concurrently for one and a-half months. As of this writing, 19 jobs have been created in conjunction with the seven projects and the summer youth program.

Other projects or programs which are being planned and slated for startup are a Tourism Program to be managed by the Village of Walpi administration, Bath House/Tourism Office Interior Renovation Project, Kiva Veneering Project for two kivas, Kachina Rest Area Renovation Project, Compost Biolet Project and Walpi Restoration Project. Eight other two to four-year goals and objectives have been formally endorsed by the villagers to be pursued by the village administration.

“For too long the villagers’ practical needs have been overshadowed and denied by unnecessary obstacles at the local level. We will continue to remain focused and stand with our own constituents to help them realize and enjoy the fruits of their labor,” said Larry Hamana, community service administrator for the Village of Walpi.

“There are those villagers who have since passed on, therefore, will never have the opportunity to benefit from their dreams. In order not to forsake them, we will live out their legacies for them. This is sad when we should be prospering and preparing things for our upcoming generations. I am thankful to the Hopi tribal council on behalf of the Walpi people for appropriating annual funds to the Village of Walpi which empowered the villagers to rightfully plan their own destiny.”

“It is incomprehensible that anyone would even want to hinder or outright deny anyone their right to freedom of choice to better their livelihoods while on the other hand, not having a better alternative to help improve the lives of their own people. The Village of Walpi organization and Walpi villagers have vowed to work together on changes to the contrary.

“And at last but not the least, our accomplishments prove we have the management capability to plan, develop and manage a variety of complex programs, projects and services of benefit our constituents,” said Stetson Lomakema, acting chairman of the Village of Walpi interim board of directors.

The Village of Walpi has also completed and submitted its required FY 2000 audit to the Hopi tribe prior to the deadline date of June 30, 2001, as mandated by the Hopi tribal council’s adopted FY 2001 Expenditure Authorization and Appropriations Language.