Hopi word puzzles

Community support makes language revitalization possible, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who donates to our nonprofit organization. Your generous gifts help us provide free Hopi language learning activities for learners of all ages—resources that keep cultural knowledge active, accessible, and shared.

Thanks to your continued support, today’s free download is a fun and engaging word puzzle featuring the Hopi term for baskets, an item rich with cultural meaning and tradition. Activities like this invite learners to explore vocabulary while honoring the everyday practices and artistry of the Hopi people.

To all of our donors: thank you. Your contributions make it possible for us to offer these materials at no cost, strengthen community connections, and ensure that the Hopi language continues to be learned, spoken, and celebrated. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

Valentine’s Day

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day and the many forms of love it honors, it’s important to reflect on the significance of love not only in our hearts but also in the language we speak. For the Hopi people, language is not just a means of communication; it is a vital thread that connects generations, preserves culture, and strengthens the bond within their community.

The Hopi language, a key part of the Uto-Aztecan language family, is a cornerstone of Hopi identity. It is deeply embedded in our history, traditions, and daily life. The Hopi language is sacred—it carries stories, ceremonies, and teachings passed down through centuries.

Valentine’s Day, traditionally associated with expressions of affection, can be a time for us to also express our commitment to preserving our languages and cultures. The Hopi language, like many Indigenous languages, is facing challenges, but it remains a symbol of resilience and strength. Revitalizing and preserving the Hopi language ensures that future generations can continue to experience and share Hopi words.

This Valentine’s Day, let us remember the love for our heritage, our languages, and our communities. Just as we express affection for one another, let’s show love for the Hopi language by supporting efforts to teach and pass it on, ensuring that it flourishes for years to come.

Askwali/Kwa’kway (Thank you) for your support in helping preserve this precious gift of language and culture. Please feel free to share these free downloads with others.

Ouch! That’s My Bill

December 21, 2024

English translation of the story “Ana! pam imotsovu”.

          On the south side of the village of Old Oraibi lived a coyote. He was always hunting or looking for something to eat. At times he would get lucky and find things at the nearby landfill, which was known to the people of the village as Qötsaptsomo (Ash Hill). One day as he was wondering around the area, he come to a small brown wren who was jumping around keeping himself happy.

          The coyote asked him if they could be friends, and the wren agreed. After they had become friends, they did not know what to do, so they decided to play hid-and-seek. The wren told the coyote to close his eyes and count from one to twenty, then off he flew to hide.

          As soon as the coyote finished counting in his deep voice, he went out to look for his friend, the wren. When he did not find the wren, he decided to look for something to eat, so he went to Ash Hill. When he got to Ask Hill, he found a nice sharp needle. “Oh great! I found a needle, now I can have my grandmother sew my little blanket for me.” He then pulled it out and it spoke to him! “Ouch, ouch, ouch, that’s my bill, that’s my bill!” Then the wren had buried himself among the rubbish and that is where the coyote found him.

          So then, it was the coyotes turn to go hide, and as gullible as the coyote was, he buried himself among the rubbish and waited. Then the wren knew that his friend would hide in the same manner as he did, so without making an effort to look for the coyote, the wren pretended to be looking for him. When enough time had passed, he went over to where the coyote was buried and said, “Oh good! I found a small saucepan I’ll take it to my grandmother so she can put parched corn in it and I can take it around with me.”

          Then the wren pulled it out it was the coyote’s snout. “Ouch, ouch, ouch, that’s my snout, that’s my snout!” he shouted in his deep voice. So that is how the wren found the coyote.

          So it may be that the two friends are still playing the game of hide-and go-seek.

                                                                                  The End

Revitalizing Hopi: A Gift for Christmas and Beyond

December 9, 2024

As Christmas approaches, many of us reflect on the importance of family, tradition, and the gifts we share with one another. This year, consider giving a gift that goes beyond material items: the preservation and revitalization of a language that holds centuries of culture, history, and wisdom—Hopi.

The Hopi language, spoken by the indigenous Hopi people in northeastern Arizona, is at risk of fading into obscurity. Like many Native American languages, it has faced decades of decline, due to the decreased use in the home and the dominance of English. However, there’s a growing movement to revitalize Hopi and ensure it thrives for generations to come.

Teaching Hopi is not just about preserving words; it’s about passing down a way of life, a connection to the land, and a deep understanding of the natural world. The language encapsulates the Hopi worldview—its rituals, beliefs, and stories—and helps foster a sense of identity and pride among our young Hopi people. When we teach Hopi, we’re not only preserving the language itself, but also the very essence of Hopi culture.

This Christmas, consider downloading free Hopi language resources as a gift for yourself, a loved one, or your community. By learning even just a few words, you’re contributing to a larger movement of cultural preservation and renewal. It’s a meaningful way to connect with a tradition that is one of the oldest in North America, in doing so, honor the richness of indigenous cultures.

Let’s make this holiday season about giving a gift that lasts—one that nurtures language, culture, and understanding. Downloading a Hopi language resource is more than an act of learning; it’s a step toward ensuring that Hopi, and languages like it, will be spoken for generations to come.

Merry Christmas—and may the gift of language fill our hearts and communities with joy.

Preserving Heritage: The Importance of Teaching the Hopi Language to Our Youth

November 3, 2024

In an era where many Indigenous languages are at risk of extinction, the Hopi language stands as a vital thread connecting the past, present, and future of the Hopi people. Teaching this language to our youth is not just about preserving words; it’s about safeguarding a rich cultural heritage that embodies unique perspectives, traditions, and values.

The Hopi language is deeply intertwined with the community’s identity, spirituality, and worldview. By learning it, young Hopis can foster a sense of belonging and pride, understanding their roots more profoundly. This connection empowers them to navigate the modern world while honoring their ancestry.

Hopi-managed nonprofit organizations such as ours, play a crucial role in this linguistic revival. These organizations are often at the forefront of educational initiatives, offering programs that teach the language through immersive experiences, workshops, and cultural events. They not only facilitate language learning but also instill a sense of community and resilience among youth. By involving them in cultural practices and storytelling, these organizations help cultivate a holistic understanding of what it means to be Hopi.

Furthermore, supporting these nonprofits ensures that resources remain available for future generations. By investing in their efforts, we contribute to the sustainability of the Hopi language and culture. This collaboration fosters an environment where language, tradition, and community thrive together.

In conclusion, teaching the Hopi language to our youth is vital for preserving the essence of the Hopi identity. With the support of Hopi-managed nonprofit organizations, we can empower the next generation to carry forward their heritage, ensuring that the language—and the values it represents—will endure for years to come.

Please enjoy the latest free download to help reinforce the teaching of Hopilavayi to our youth.