Hopi leaders promote healthy living for younger generation

A documentary done by Arizona State University filmmakers, Karina Dominguez, Itziah Crespo, and Luke Simmons, shows life on the Hopi reservation and the unique challenges. The Hopi reservation is in the high desert of northern Arizona. The traditions of the elders are paving the way for a sustainable community for younger generations. The community is trying to change the poor eating habits of the younger generation, while still holding onto sacred traditions.

“Holding on to the Corn,” Young Corn Clan Valerie’s Father, Leon Nuavayestewa and President, Board of Directors Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture, Valerie Nuvayestewa talk about the younger generation and the unhealthy eating habits. They discuss their efforts to change that. They talk about when they first came to the reservation and the covenant they made with the person living there. 

Nuvayestewa said her great grandfather told them when they were young to “never let go of the corn.” She explained that her great grandfather said the rains come to visit the corn, and if there is no corn to visit, then rain won’t come. 

They are promoting to be self-sustainable, promote healthy communities, and how do you access food. Nuvayestewa said to promote this way of living, she has to walk the talk. The documentary explains how they hope to make this work. It also talks about their history, the federal Indian policies, and how they have affected them.