Kenosis Spirit Keepers - Hopi Spirit Keepers Bios page

Hopi Spirit Keepers 2008

Biographies

Ruben Saufkie, Sr.
Eagle Dancer

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 scared 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.

Mumkasie, Ruben Saufkie, Sr. is a Hopi from the Water Clan. "I AM A SIMPLE MAN." He is described by others as "a humble man, who serves his family, his people and humanity through his messages of understanding, respect, peace and care for our Mother Earth." Ruben was one of the leaders of the 2006 H2OPI Water Run which included a delegation of Hopi runners that left the Hopi community in Arizona carrying sacred spring waters gathered from around the world and was presented after their run to the World Water Forum in Mexico City. The H2OPI water run was held to raise awareness of our Mother Earth and the water she has given us; if humanity does not take care of this gift for future generations there could be a day when we do not have it.

Tsootima, Jordan Saufkie, whose Hopi name means “Jumping Frog,” is an eagle dancer of the Snow Clan. At the very young age of fourteen he has already been sharing his culture with others for several years. Through artwork and dance he helps to spread a message of hope and has created a positive role model for his younger siblings and other youth in the Hopi community.

Danielle Palaka is a twenty-six-year-old member of the Water Clan. In 2006-2007 she was crowned Miss Hopi and became an ambassador for Hopi culture. Danielle represented her tribe at the H2OPI Water Run and wrote a poignant poem about conditions at home and the need for healing in the world. If she is supported on the Spirit Keepers Journey it will allow her to continue to her altruistic path and further her artistic expression.

Alrye Polequappewa will turn eighteen years old in Peru if he is sponsored on the Spirit Keepers Journey. An eagle dancer, he is actively involved in sacred ritual functions in his home village of Shungopavi. He is an honor roll student and was voted Mr. Junior High in 2002-2003. Alrye intends to share his culture through ceremonial dancing and wants to bring the stories of his experiences home to his community.

Candace Jermaine Pochoema is twenty years of age and comes from the Water Clan from Shungopavi where she particpates in all cultural ceremonies that occur there. Currently Candace is at home on the reservation helping with her family and three younger siblings. When she is able, she also attends Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and is active in volleyball, basketball, and softball. By going on the Spirit Keepers journey, Candace says she hopes to discover how we are all alike in a way, what she can learn from a different culture, along with knowledge she can share from her own.