Hopitutuqaiki receives $19,724 grant for 2015 summer arts weaving program and preschool

A student works on a sifter (tutsaya) at the Hopitutuqaiki school summer program. Photo/Hopitutuqaiki

A student works on a sifter (tutsaya) at the Hopitutuqaiki school summer program. Photo/Hopitutuqaiki

HOPI, Ariz. - The Hopitutuqaiki recently received a $19,724 grant from the First Nations Development Institute of Longmont, Colorado. This award will support the efforts of the Hopitutuqaiki 2015 Summer Arts Program weaving and preschool classes.

The weaving components of the Hopitutuqaiki Summer Arts program emphasize textile, sifter basket and wicker plaque weaving, encouraging the continuation of those craft skills. The classes emphasize the Hopi language and culture while encouraging students to complete at least one kilt (pitkuna), sash (mutsapnguenkwewa), sifter (tutsaya) or wicker plaque (yungyapu).

Dr. Robert Rhodes, the school facilitator, said there are fewer artists competent in each of these areas.

"So the grant from First Nations Development Institute helps perpetuate those skills," he said.

The Hopi language immersion preschool emphasizes Hopi language and culture for 3-5 year old Hopi children. Those children are immersed in Hopi language from the beginning, using their Hopi names for classroom activities including science, math, art, and pre-reading skills.

The students take weekly field trips to local areas and people to further learn Hopi terms and activities. With many concerned with Hopi language loss, the grant will give students an introduction to Hopi language and culture that can then be followed up in the family setting. The grant encourages Hopi language development.

Hopitutuqaiki has begun its eleventh Summer Arts program, putting on classes in both traditional and contemporary crafts.

Hopitutuqaiki is working to provide a school for Hopi children that is based on Hopi language, values, culture and strengths. At present it offers mostly summer classes, but is working toward a year-around presence.

More information is available at (928) 734-2433, by email at rwrhodes@quixnet.net or at www.hopischool.net.

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