Tuba City

Hopi Dancers

This past weekend we went to Tuba City to Oceal’s baby’s birthday party.  We had a fun time and it is always nice to go over and see new friends.  There is something about the place and the people that just gets in your blood.  While we were at the party, someone said that the Kachinas were coming out of the kiva down in the Hopi village.  Since this is a rare occasion, we hurried and went down to see if we could see them.  The Kachinas, of course, are Hopi, and they have sacred ceremonial dances.  We managed to get their while they were in between the houses and dancing.  It was fun to see the people up on the roof watching.  There was a circle all around them and we couldn’t see very much.  They passed out gifts, carrots, potatoes, fruit etc.  I don’t know what it means but I think that it means prosperity.  All of a sudden the crowd parted and made a line.  We were standing right there and they danc3d past us.  They were so close, I could have touched them.  It was exciting to see.  They went back sown in the kiva and would be down there for probably three or four hours.  So we left and went to Pizza Edge to eat.

We left Pizza Edge and went over to the community center to see the Powwow.  I’m always impressed with how they honor their veterans.  They honored them with dance and song.  All the veterans who were there got up and danced.  It was very impressive.    Then they had the Grand Entry where they come in with all the flags and then the dancers follow.  The arena director announced each tribe as they come in and it is inspiring to see them dance in with their beautiful clothes.  (We don’t call them costumes).  The colors, feathers and bead work are intricate and beautiful.  They reminded me of a time when they were a more noble and strong people.

We left the powwow and went back down to the village.  Luckily, the Kachinas were just coming back out of the kiva.  Amber and I stayed in the car while Eti and Susi went to look.  We could kind of see from the car, and I was tired.  Amber said that she felt awkward because we were the only whites there, and I tended to agree with her.  Anyway it was a wonderful and a spiritual experience.  I’m grateful for the time we spent on the reservation and the experiences we have had.  We certainly have gained a greater appreciation for the Native Americans and their contributions they have made to our lives.