Arizona’s Original Slow Food Farmers
An exhibit of historic Hopi photos circa 1890-1970 will be unveiled by the Hopi Natwani Coalition during a one-day expo set for January 22, 2011, in the Moenkopi Legacy Inn, Moenkopi, Arizona.
The photos show the heritage of dry farming that has been the staple of Hopi life on the mesas for a thousand years. The photo exhibit will remain on public display at the Legacy Inn through November 1, 2012.
This will be the first in a series of programs hosted by Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites and the Natwani Coalition. Workshops and tours to Village gardens, personal corn fields, and meals in Hopi homes will be offered throughout the year.
The expo, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include presentations and demonstrations from groups that will provide a look into Hopi Agriculture and give insight into the significance agriculture has in Hopi culture and history. The day will include dance performances, a sampling of traditional Hopi foods, and an opportunity to meet and interact with all presenters.
Indigenous peoples have developed specialized farming techniques throughout the western hemisphere, ranging from dry farming to the specialization and cultivation of diverse types of heirloom seeds. This specialized traditional knowledge has allowed them to sustain the land and themselves for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples have created a way of living in which they depend on each other as families and communities for survival and livelihood. Lillian Hill, Hopi, will present the Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture heritage of cultivating orchards.
Beatrice Norton, Matt Livingston, and J. Hamilton will present the Hopi Cookbook project that helps people understand Hopi traditional foods, appreciating spirituality and special techniques, best practices in both growing, gathering crops as well as enhancing and sustaining transfer of traditional customs in Hopi food exchange during ceremonies. “Noosiwqa” (food) preparation, origins, nourishment, medicinal uses, cultural exchange, gathering traditions, and how food is valued in Hopi culture is the focus of this new cookbook.
Information and reservations for the expo are online, or call 928:283-4500. There is no charge for the program.
