Hopi High celebrates Indian Day

<i>Stan Bindell/NHO</i><br>
Jaysana Honyaktewa was one of the royalty who addressed the audience during Hopi High Indian Day on Sept. 17.

<i>Stan Bindell/NHO</i><br> Jaysana Honyaktewa was one of the royalty who addressed the audience during Hopi High Indian Day on Sept. 17.

POLACCA, Ariz. - Hopi Jr./Sr. High School honored Native American heritage with Indian Day Sept. 17. It is a special day to help preserve Native American culture and language.

There were Hopi, Navajo and other tribal dances as everyone had a chance to participate. Eileen Navakuku managed the event this year. There was plenty of traditional Hopi food served and the bus barn had its usual annual spread of food where if anybody went home hungry it was their own fault. Many members of the public joined the staff for the lunch.

Hopi High School's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps opened the day's events by posting the colors. Vance Pooyouma sang the national anthem. Hopi High Principal Glenn Gilman welcomed all the visitors, Superintendent Paul Reynolds acknowledged the dignitaries and Hopi Junior High Principal Albert Sinquah introduced the emcees.

The all-star lineup of emcees included Emmett Navakuku, Dixon "I've been driving for 23 years" Silas, Brannon "Wunu" Sidney and Justin "Vava J" Secakuku.

The seniors started the festivities with a round dance.

Royalty included Mr. Hopi High Roscoe Shupla, Miss Hopi High Tonelle Huma, Miss Hopi Junior High Andrea Lomayaktewa and Mr. Hopi Junior High Quinten Ramirez.

The Hopi Jr./Sr. High School staff also performed a native dance. Many of the non-Native staff were "adopted" by their Native American friends.

Of course, there were many drums groups who accompanied the dancers.

It was upbeat day for everybody as students were smiling that they were able to take pride in their culture while spending time with their friends.

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