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Spirit Keepers 2009

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Hopi Spirit Keeper

Hopi Elder Harold Joseph Dawahafvoya is Harold Joseph, Jr. Harold is a Hopi and he is known by his people as Dawahafvoya. This name was given to him by his Wu-Chim (Hopi church) father when he was Hopitized (Baptized) when he was thirteen years old and when he was in the seventh grade. He had to be Hopitized early in his childhood life by his parents because the federal government sent most Hopi Indian children away to government boarding schools when they complete their junior high school education. During this time there was no high school on the Hopiland. Most Hopi children were sent to Phoenix, Arizona, Sherman, California, and Stewart, Nevada. Once the Hopi child is sent away to a boarding he/she is not allowed to return to Hopi during the fall and winter solstice to be ordained. As a result of this situation many Hopi individuals currently do not know and practice the Hopi Religion (Wu-Chim). This ceremony is an important sacred event that occurs every ten years. Dawahafvoya like many Hopis continue to practice his Hopi Religion.

Dawahafvoya is a member of the Snow Clan. Snow Clan members are primarily from the Hopi Village of Shungopavi. This Village is one of four villages that still practice their traditional form of village government. The Hopi traditional form of government is recognized by the Constitution of the Hopi Tribe and the federal government. The Snow Clan is responsible for many important functions of the traditional ceremonies which keeps the whole system in harmony. The clan is responsible for the practice of respect, loyalty, and team approach among all people, leaders, and natural things so that the cultural activities are done in harmony with the natural world. In this way, the good way of life that respects all natural things are achieved for all mankind.

In carrying out his clan responsibilities as a member, Dawahafvoya must participate in or lead ceremonies, prayers, songs and dances. These activities are all carried out in the village of Shungopavi. Along with his Hopi responsibilities, Dawahafvoya must also carry out his Western economic and academic responsibilities in order to keep pace with current changes in world outside of the Hopi Nation. In doing so he has completed his high school education and has gone on to complete his bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He has also acquired his Master's in Business Administration degree (MBA) and has completed coursework towards a higher education administration degree.

Dawahafvoya is married in the Hopi way, meaning that the marriage was conducted in the Hopi traditional way where both the bride and groom's hair were Hopitized (washed in sacred water). His wife's Hopi name is Baqua Mana (Frog Girl) and she is a member of the Coyote Clan. Her English name is Charlene. Together they have three grown children, Garrett, Darold and Carrie. They also have four grandchildren, Deja, Duwala, Dillon and Kara. They have been married now for forty years.