Leader: Protect Hopi tradition
Religious leader warns of consequences in Nuvamsa case

By Kathy Helms
Staff Writer

MISHONGOVI — It is a rare occasion when Hopi religious leaders talk about traditional matters outside the kiva, but Jerry Sekayumptewa, a member of the Powamuya Society, says it has fallen on him to speak out.

In doing so, he directed his remarks at Hopi youth, offering his Hopi credentials so they will understand how he knows the things he speaks of.

"I am a member of the Powamuya Society at the Village of Mishongovi. The Powamuya Society are said to be the Fathers of the Kachinas," he said Friday.

"I speak today about traditional things usually reserved for discussion in the kiva during certain times. It is important to say these things today in order to protect Hopi traditions from misuse and misrepresentation. It is information that you as Hopi will learn and keep dear as you go forward in life. These are things we must all adhere to.

"Sometimes as Hopi it is necessary to sacrifice in order to preserve our traditions and religion. And it is important for all to hear and know the truth. This is part of our prophecy as Hopi. It has fallen on me to speak on some of the concerns and responsibilities facing all of us as Hopi today. We must do so in order to protect our traditional practices, religion and the future of all mankind," Sekayumptewa said.

There are major differences between a traditional government and a tribal council form of government, with the traditional government adhering to certain requirements and expectations.

"A traditional government does not involve itself in matters related to the operation and management of the Hopi Tribal Council. The tribal council can only become involved in village matters through a very specific and defined method listed in the Hopi Constitution," he said.

"These things (that) must be said are because a member of an important Hopi Society is attempting to use 'traditional interpretations and values' as a method to justify a false statement. Our traditional teachings do not approve or sanction the use of tradition in order to secure personal outcomes."

Role of Bear Clan
Sekayumptewa said Nuvamsa has made statements to some newspapers claiming traditional rights in the Bear, Antelope and Snake clans. "The individual claims membership in these clans at the Village of Shungopavi while at the same time he has run for chairman of the Hopi Tribal Council.

"A member of the Bear Clan from the Village of Shungopavi should not be running for chairman of the Hopi Council and is prohibited from serving in any capacity as tribal chairman as a result of a request sent by the Mishongovi leadership when two Bear Clan members were certified to serve on the tribal council many years ago," Sekayumptewa said.

"The request was made by Mishongovi because the Bear Clan has certain sacred duties unrelated to the mission of the tribal council. These sacred duties would be violated had the two Bear Clan members served on the tribal council."

Sekayumptewa said the main role of Bear Clan members is to lead their people in a religious and traditional manner as their children. "Breaking the tradition and harmony as a Bear Clan member has consequences for all of us," he said.

Nuvamsa was removed from his elected office by the Hopi Tribal Council after allegations surfaced that he failed to meet the residency requirements of the Hopi Constitution.

"Mr. Nuvamsa is trying to get out of the mess he created by claiming he is exercising his traditional right to interpret 'residency' in a traditional manner. This cannot be," Sekayumptewa said.

Traditional duties
A person claiming to be a traditional or religious person destined for leadership cannot serve as chairman of the Hopi Tribal Council, according to Sekayumptewa.

"That position is not viewed as a traditional position and it is an insult to the religious people of Hopi to claim the position is his as a result of his traditional beliefs and then further claim he is the 'rightful heir' due to his membership in the Bear Clan and the planting of a corn field," he said.

"These claims mock the Hopi people and our religion. It is embarrassing behavior to witness (from) a member of the Bear Clan, especially one of Shungopavi Village," which lays claim as Mother of the Hopi Traditional Villages and protector of Hopi tradition and religion, he said.

"We are surprised to see and hear a member of the Bear Clan from Shungopavi insult and demean the religious beliefs and practices of all Hopis."

Sekayumptewa said the Kikmongwis are chosen only to lead the Hopi people into the good life and to pray for all mankind. "The Bear Clan serves in one of the highest positions of the hierarchy and they have been given the authority to lead the Hopi people, their children, in the rightful path of tradition and religious practices," he said.

"The traditional people of Shungopavi do not participate in the political process of the tribal council ... It is Shungopavi who has chosen to take the position they are, preserving Hopi tradition and religion for all mankind."

Violators pay price
According to Sekayumptewa, it has been said that Bear Clan members, who carry the Tiponi, or sacred bundle of Massau, the Creator, "walk the sharp edge of the knife." If they don't carry out their responsibilities they will answer to Massau at some point.

When the Hopis emerged into this Fourth World, Massau declined to lead the Bear Clan, telling them they had many ideas and plans with which he did not agree.

"Therefore, he refused to be their leader until the right time. When is 'the right time' is something we Hopi do not yet know," Sekayumptewa said.

"By not carrying out the responsibilities that are associated with the sacred Tiponi that Massau intended they are answerable for endangering the lives of all mankind." In simple terms, Sekayumptewa said, the Tiponi is a sacred bundle and has certain authorities associated with the responsibilities of the Kikmongwi.

"The Kikmongwi is the caretaker, and once he is given this Tiponi, he holds the highest office or religious position. Ben Nuvamsa claims he is a member of the Bear Clan. As a member he is well aware that he is dragging every member of the Bear Clan to catastrophe in order to get what he wants," Sekayumptewa said.

"It is prophecy that the person or persons messing with the Tiponi are answerable and will get their just punishment. Ben Nuvamsa is well aware of that fact. The credibility of the Bear Clan is at stake," he said. "We call on Ben Nuvamsa to honor Hopi tradition and Hopi beliefs."

Violating the sacred
Sekayumptewa said Nuvamsa should be mindful that the village of Mishongovi is in the midst of preparing for a religious and traditional ceremony, and that Saturday, in particular, holds a very special meaning.

Nuvamsa had a political meeting Wednesday night at the Civic Center on Second Mesa near Shungopavi to discuss controversial issues, Sekayumptewa alleged.

As a practicing member and active participant in the Bear, Antelope, and Snake societies, he said, Nuvamsa "ought to know and respect the practice of avoiding negative thoughts and/or practices during these crucial ceremonial times. Avoiding disharmony, particularly during these ceremonial times, is a traditional practice that has existed since time immemorial."

During these ceremonies, the Hopi pray for all mankind, animals, plants and living matter, he said.

"Rain is of paramount importance and also prayed for during these ceremonies. Our Hopi songs always call for rain for crops and moisture for Mother Earth. Without water, Hopi prophecy says mankind will disappear," Sekayumptewa said.

"Violating the sacredness of this time through negative thoughts and actions disturbs the tranquility of the sacred ceremony and the peace of all mankind and further disrupts the meaning and intent of our ceremonies. This disruption can have severe consequences for all mankind."

Sekayumptewa issued a reminder to Hopi youth that these matters are only to be spoken of due to the responsibilities the Hopi have for the preservation of mankind.

"The Hopi Prophecy speaks of many things and it is up to each of us to adhere to our teachings. I am saddened by the fact that it became necessary to speak on these matters during this time, however, I do so for your sake and for the sake of all living things," he said.