October 5th, Volume 30, Number 19 Publication Cancelled

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – October 5, 2022, Due to unforeseen circumstances, delays and technical difficulties publication of the October 5^th Volume 30, Number 17, has been cancelled.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate any and all understanding for this unexpected challenge to our schedule.

Regularly scheduled publications will resume on October 19, 2022.

Any questions/inquiries may be routed to: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor at 928-734-3281 or rlaban@hopi.nsn.us

Hopi Tutuveni Re-publishes the Ever Relevant Guest Editorial – “Apology Not Accepted – Hopi Religion, a Religion That Was Never Conquered”

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – July 28, 2022 and the realization that the Hopi Tribe will soon be observing Pueblo Revolt Day on August 10, 2022 is set in while seeing recent articles and posts on social media regarding the Pope taking steps to apologize to Native peoples in Canada is also occurring.

I am reminded, yet again, about the published Guest Editorial – “Apology Not Accepted – Hopi Religion, a Religion That Was Never Conquered” by Stewart B. Koyiyumptewa published in Hopi Tutuveni Volume 26 Number 12 published Tuesday, August 7, 2018 and re-published in August 2021 and how very relevant the Guest Editorial, remains in 2022.

The Editorial speaks of the Diocese of Gallup, NM of the Catholic Church attempting to deliver an apology to Hopi religious leaders in 2000 and here in 2022, the Catholic Church is making attempts in another country, to another group of Native peoples for past transgressions against them by representatives of the Catholic Church.

Hopi Tutuveni is sharing Indian Country Today’s “Papal Visit: Pope takes first step toward apology” article in this current August 3^rd publication and it only seemed fit that we share Koyiyumptewa’s Guest Editorial, as well.

The term “Tota’tsim – a tyrant, dictator, or demanding person interested only in personal gain” was referenced by Koyiyumptewa in the 2018 Editorial. In 2020-2021 Tribal Councilmen used the term during 2020-2021 Council Sessions in comparing and describing behaviors they had been observing of some administrators during the Hopi Tribal Government Shutdown. The Shutdown has been a response and result of the current world wide pandemic which is still in effect this day in 2022, while humanity continues “fighting a foreign enemy of sorts” – the Corona virus.

Interesting times and comparisons which remind me to be grateful for all I am blessed with, including still being able to practice the Hopi culture and religion the best way I can with my children and grandchildren. I am also grateful to be able to work for the Hopi people during a time in which the Hopi Tribe is facing dire economic limitations. I continue working for the people at the Tribe’s one and only newspaper into this third year of the worldwide pandemic because it is my way of giving back to those who came before me.

I am grateful too for the ability to read, contemplate and be reminded of the closing remarks by Stewart noting, “Tomorrow when you wake, pray and greet the Sun, ask Taawa to deliver a message to our ancestors, a message of Askwalí/Kwakwhá to those who had the courage to stand up to the Tota’tsim, who fought for and protected our unique way of life for each of us as Hopisinom today. Let us not take our Hopi way of life for granted. Continue to live in faith, prayer, humility and hard work the best we can each day so that our children and future generations will learn and receive it just as we received it from our ancestors. Kwakwhá.” ~ Stewart B. Koyiyumptewa, Interim Manager Hopi Cultural Preservation Office.

Hopi Tribal Employees at Kykotsmovi Complex Face Work Interruptions

Second Week of February

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – February 11, 2022 and on the day the Hopi Tutuveni files were to be sent to the printers, Hopi Tribal employees faced interruptions in work schedules and scheduled deadlines for the second time during the week of February 6, 2022.

Employees were notified via the Thursday, February 10, 2022 email sent out at approximately 4:35 p.m. of work being completed at the Administrative Building on the afternoon of February 11, 2022.

According to the Office of Facilities and Risk Management Services Director, “This mail was initially sent to leadership. It was advised to send to ALL for your information…the project will entail shut down of power to the IT server room at the Administration Building for the afternoon of 2/11/2022. The backup batteries should maintain power to servers during the period of shut down of power to IT only. Mr. Robert Collateta, Jr. OIT is fully aware of the project scope and has advised to this notification.”

The situation was the second of two interruptions which occurred during the week and with very little notification time which hampered employee’s scheduled workload and deadline expectations.

The first interruption during the week occurred on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 when at approximately 11:59 a.m. an email was sent out by Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma to all Tribal Employees noting the following, “To All Tribal Employees working at the Kykotsmovi Tribal Complex: An unexpected emergency has arisen that will require the Hopi Tribal Government to close business the rest of today, February 8, 2022. All tribal employees are released from work and shall immediately vacate the buildings at the Kykotsmovi Tribal Complex. Regular business shall resume at 8:00 am tomorrow, Wednesday, February 9, 2022 unless you are informed otherwise. Kwakwa…”

No other notifications were provided on that date as to what the specific emergency was or whether the situation was a drill exercise.

After not receiving any follow up notifications about what exactly occurred the previous day Hopi Tutuveni staff made contact with the Chairman via email at approximately 5:02 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Vice Chairman Andrews was also copied as a recipient on the email sent which presented the following questions and an invite for a press release to be submitted to Hopi Tutuveni; “Will a Press Release about this situation be issued? Or perhaps a follow up email has been sent that I have not been made privy to. I must note that I wasn’t aware that the email was sitting in my email and only after coming out of my office, for my lunch break, was I made aware by another colleague in the building that the email had been sent out. Also, was a debriefing provided to other Directors/employees about the situation? A reply with an update about what exactly occurred will be appreciated.”

On Thursday, February 10, 2022 at approximately 8:30 a.m. an email was sent out on behalf of Chairman Nuvangyaoma to the “ALL” list on the Hopi Tribal Directory with an attached Memorandum dated February 8, 2022 with “SUBJ: Hopi Tribal Government closure” which read, “Yesterday, February 8, 2022, at approximately 10:45 a.m., the Office of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman received a call threatening in nature which prompted the shutdown and release of employees at the Hopi Tribal Complex. Hopi Law Enforcement Services (HLES) were contacted and responded. Chief Pinto, of HLES has assured Hopi Tribal Officials, it is safe to return to the Tribal Complex and we can continue Government operations…”

Hopi Tutuveni staff replied to the email to get clarification as to whether the date of the Memorandum was supposed to be February 9, 2022 and if the email received was the initial send of the Memorandum. No further replies have been received as of press files submission deadline.

Due to the two situations, with abrupt and late notifications, during production week of the Hopi Tutuveni, staff had to push the publication date, originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2022 to Thursday, February 17, 2022.

Hopi Tribe Issues Executive Order No. #001-2022

Return to Phase Two with Modified Provisions for all residents of the Hopi Reservation to meet the current COVID-19 virus challenge

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – January 19, 2022 Per Executive Order (E.O.) #001-2022, issued on January 14, 2022 by Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma in which he directs that Executive Order #001-2002 – Return to Phase Two shall, “…be in immediate effect through March 13, 2022, unless otherwise extended…”

In relation to Phase Two (Modified Provisions) for EMPLOYEES the E.O. delineates some of the following:

ENCOURAGE TELEWORKING/ROTATIONS WORK SCHEDULES, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
Close COMMON AREAS (including but not limited to plazas, gymnasiums, and outdoor activity fields) where personnel are likely to congregate and interact or enforce moderate social distancing protocols.

Accordingly, Hopi Tutuveni staff has completed a thorough review/assessment of the Department/Office functions and provide the following procedures for continued services:

Hopi Tutuveni office hours remain Monday through Friday; from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Carl Onsae, Assistant Editor can be reached at 928-734-3283 or via email at: COnsae@hopi.nsn.us

Romalita Laban, Managing Editor can be reached at 928-734-3281 or via email at: RLaban@hopi.nsn.us

OPEN HOURS TO PUBLIC will occur on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday’s 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. by appointment only. (Call ahead to schedule.)

All visitors shall:

Wear a protective facemask at all times
Check in at the Main Administrative Building Security Check-in Site before visiting Hopi Tutuveni offices
Have their “COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card” available.
Not exhibit COVID symptoms

To ensure effective response, this issuance is subject to revision and modification at any time as the situation with the COVID-19 evolves and further guidance is received from Hopi Tribal leadership.

The health and safety of our Hopi public and Tribal employees is of great concern thus we appreciate cooperation in abiding by these precautions. Askwali / Kwak’kwa

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Hopi Tribal Council Approves H-004-2022 Continuing Resolution for FY2021 General Fund Budget Effective January 1, 2022

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, December 22, 2021 and a couple of days before the Hopi Tribe was scheduled to be on a three-day Holiday break the Hopi Tribal Council suspended its rules to add Action Item #005-2022 to the Agenda to review and discuss. Amendments were made to the Item authored and submitted by Wilfred Gaseoma, Hopi Tribal Treasurer which addressed the continuation of the FY2021 Budget as of January 1, 2022.

On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, a day before the Action Item was brought before Council, discussions surrounding the need to get the FY 2022 Budget process completed and approved by the deadline date of December 31, 2021 also took place. The Action Item packet presenting the FY2022 Budget Resolution, which had not yet made its way through the process of being added to the Agenda, was noted by some Tribal Councilmen as being most definitely delayed with sounding frustrated during the discussions.

The Wednesday, December 22, 2021 morning session continued surrounding the Action Item for the continuation of the FY2021 Budget and discussions ensued regarding details about the delay, the need for suspending of the rules to get the Action Item packet with the Continuation Budget on the Council Agenda, the Treasurer and Chairman reiterating the process for getting an Action Item packet through the Secretary’s Office, the lack of the Vice Chairman’s signature on the packet which was holding up the process, the need for orientation of Tribal Council on the process, and the Secretary’s Office’s deadlines and how the process of suspending the rules was made up at some point in time.

Prior to the morning session being recessed, the Treasurer notified Council that, “I just got updated information that Vice Chairman has signed…signed it so it goes on to the next person, which is myself, so once I get back to my computer, I’ll sign it and send it on to the next person.”

Chairman Nuvangyaoma also clarified, “We have the Action Item we just need to recess so we can focus on getting that into the process and have that brought back in for action tomorrow…” The morning session was recessed at 9:58 a.m. with plans for reconvening later in the day at three o’clock.

Later during the three o’clock afternoon hour, Herman G. Honanie, Kykotsmovi Village Representative made a motion to suspend the rules to have the Action Item addressing the continuation of the FY2021 Budget added to Council’s Agenda. A Second to the motion was made by Raymond Namoki, Sipaulovi Village Representative.

Council passed the motion to suspend the rules, which allowed Council to continue moving on for review, further discussion and questions on Action Item #H005-2022 but not until Wallace Youvella, Jr., First Mesa Consolidated Villages Representative stated, “…the only question I have is…we passed a resolution in October that regards Tewa Village and withholding of those funds… will this continuing resolution override that resolution that we passed and allow…the Village of Tewa Village to…get their allocation up to 10%?” This in turn led to Chairman Nuvangyaoma responding, “I think that’s a matter of the discussion that would happen once the Action Item is read into record…” and then requested that the Hopi Tribal Secretary read the item.

Hopi Tribal Secretary read Action Item #H005-2022 which included such references as, “Hopi Tribal Council Action Item December 20 2021 Action Item #005-2022 date received by Tribal Secretary [Dec 22 2021], unit recommending action Hopi Tribal Treasurer. Objective: To have Hopi Tribal Council approve the FY2021 Continuing Resolution. Discussion: To discuss approval of FY2021 Continuing Resolution effective [January 1 2022] funding will remain at the FY2021 levels and be appropriated at 10% each month until the FY2022 General Fund budget and Expenditure Authorization and Appropriations Language. Action Requires Village Input, no. Action requires additional funding, yes. Action requires budget/modification approval, no. Author of Action Item, Wilfred Gaseoma Hopi Tribal Treasurer, endorsed by Timothy Nuvangyaoma dated [12 20 21]…”

The Secretary continued to read stating further, “…the following rules shall apply during the period of [these] continuing General Fund budget resolution 1. All expenditures requested that exceed the 10% (10 percent expenditure ceiling) in cases that present a critical and exigent need shall be subject to review approval and authorization by the Hopi Tribal Council all appropriations approved the Hopi Tribal Council prior to December 31 2021 which commit partial or matching funds for programs and projects for FY2022 shall continue to be funded at the approved levels and 3. no amendments or modifications to the FY2021 Budget shall be authorized during this continuation period be it further resolved that the required funds beginning January 1 2022 shall be drawn down from the unrestricted Wells Fargo unallocated account and in the amount of 1,926,234…which is a total draw of 10% of the FY2021 budget…be it finally resolved that the Hopi Tribal Council hereby authorizes and directs the Hopi Tribal Treasurer to expend the Hopi Tribal funds authorized for expenditure under this continuing General Fund budget resolution in accordance with the Hopi Tribe’s Fiscal Management’s policies and provisions specified herein…”

Once the Secretary completed reading the Action Item H-005-2022 for the continuation of FY2021 Budget into record, Council’s attention was drawn back to the subject of amendments to the Action Item language and Resolution H-051-2021, referenced earlier by Representative Youvella, Jr.

Travis Hyer, Office of General Counsel staff, mentioned knowing that Mr. Youvella, Jr. brought up an issue prior to the reading of the Action Item into record, he did some research and offered a recommendation of making it “explicitly clear” that H-052-2021 is still in effect and all of the conditions placed on the Village of Tewa by that Resolution for its budget, is still in place and the amendment that could be made to the resolution could be something as simple as an additional “be it further resolved” clause …and something to the effect of “be it further resolved that this resolution does not affect H52-2021…”

A fair amount of time was then taken to discuss and ask questions about resolution H-051-2021 approved by Council in October 2021 addressing the Hopi CARES Act Committee’s request for Council’s approval of re-categorizing the Village of Tewa’s first allocation of CARES Act funding in the amount of $951,658 which was only a portion of the total award amounting to $2,230,450. The first allocation of $951,658 was wire transferred by Wilfred Gaseoma, Hopi Tribal Treasurer to the Village of Tewa although a sub-recipient agreement had not yet been signed by the Village.

Resolution H-051-2021 had been previously presented to Council by Jamie Navenma, CARES Act Committee Chairman with the resolution language described that the first allocation of the CARES Act funds awarded to the Village of Tewa was to be considered as an advance of Tribe’s H13 General Fund annual Village allocation instead of CARES Act funding. Council had approved the Resolution with stipulations that due to the Village of Tewa not coming into compliance with the CARES Act Committee’s requests and requirements, it would not be eligible for future General Fund Allocations until the $951,658 was paid back to the Hopi Tribe.

To ensure Council was reminded about what H-051-2021 addressed, Chairman Nuvangyaoma requested that Hopi Tribal Secretary retrieve and read the resolution for the Council’s benefit.

The Secretary read some of the following from H-051-2022, “…whereas the Tribal Council directed the CARES Committee to develop a method in which to make awards from the CARES Act funding the Tribe received and whereas Tribal Council directed the CARES Committee to follow U.S Federal Treasury guidelines regarding CARES Act funding and whereas the CARES Committee developed an application for villages to apply for funding as part of the application each applicant attested that they would be subject to sub-recipient guidelines if they were awarded funding and provided training for villages regarding sub-recipient requirements and whereas the Village of Tewa applied for funding and was awarded $2,230,450 on October 2nd 2020 an award letter and sub-recipient agreement was sent to the Village on October 5^th 2020…”

The Secretary continued reading H-051-2022, “…on October 16^th 2020 the Treasurer wire transferred $951,658 to the Village of Tewa for its first allocation of CARES Act funding and whereas after the funding was transferred to the Village of Tewa, the Village did not send a sub-recipient agreement back to the CARES Committee and the Village refuses to sign a sub-recipient agreement to date and whereas the Village of Tewa has not cooperated with Project Monitor and refuses to provide an update on projects approved for CARES Act funding and whereas the CARES Committee has met multiple times with the Village and has offered the technical assistance of the Office of Financial Management and consultants Walker & Armstrong LLP and whereas due to failure of Village of Tewa to follow requirements of the CARES sub-recipientagreement the CARES Committee reduced the initial award from $2,230,450 to $951,650…”

The reading continued with, “and whereas the CARES Committee continues to reach out to the Village of Tewa specifically the Community Service Administrator Melissa Alcala and the Village of Tewa Board of Directors but the Village refuses to provide any financial reports or status of projects approved and whereas the CARES Committee would request that the $951,650 to be re-characterized as an advance on future village allocations through the Tribe’s annual budgeting process and that the CARES Committee received the CARES Act award in its entirety through this process the Tribe would avoid a finding from the US Federal Treasury which may impact other federal funding the Tribe receives and whereas the re-characterization of the $951,650 received by the Village of the Tewa would not be necessary if the village complied with the aforementioned sub-recipient compliance requirements now therefore be it resolved the Village of Tewa has been given an advance of the annual village allocation through the H13 budget process in the amount of $951,650 and will not receive any future drawdowns beginning in Fiscal Year 2022 until this amount is paid in full be it further resolved the Village of Tewa has up to September 30, 2021 to remedy this situation by submitting (1) a signed sub-recipient agreement (2) providing detailed financial reports and (3) cooperating with the CARES Committee designated Project Monitor be it further resolved if the Village of Tewa complies with all three requirements listed above by the deadline listed above the CARES Committee will submit an Action Item/Draft resolution to rescind this resolution, be it finally resolved that this resolution shall supersede and replace all prior resolutions of the Hopi Tribal Council that are inconsistent, are in conflict with the intent purpose and provision of this resolution and certification was signed on September 9^th 2021…”

Council Representatives, such as Clifford Qotsaquahu expressed much concern about ensuring that follow up and accountability about the issue be provided. Other Council members were also very concerned about any further H13 General Fund allocations being disbursed to the Village of Tewa as Tribal Council did not receive an update report from the CARES Act Committee on the issue still being worked on. An emphasis was mentioned that the timeline and completion date of September 30, 2021, for the issue to be resolved, had long since passed.

Dale Sinquah, First Mesa Consolidated Villages Representative expressed concern for ensuring language was added to note that Hopi Tribal Council has not yet reached a decision the final FY2022 Budget due to it not being presented in a timely manner.

Wilfred Gaseoma, Hopi Tribal Treasurer, mentioned that, “…there are people working voluntarily…” on the requirements stipulated for the Village of Tewa to come in compliance with the CARES Act Committee. Gaseoma made statements regarding the status of what the said volunteers were working on and also mentioned being present the night when a situation occurred which was reported “to HLES.” Gaseoma then raised his voice and asked Tribal Council, “…what are you going to do about this situation?”

Daryn Melvin, who was introduced by Gaseoma as his “colleague” and who recently served as Vice Chairman Tenakhongva’s Staff, provided recommendations for amendments to the Action Item to Tribal Council. Once the Secretary was also provided clarification about the amendments, Velma Kalyesva, Village of Bacabi Representative made a motion to approve the Action Item with amendments which was seconded by her fellow Bacabi Representative, Clifford Qotsaquahu. In the 4 o’clock hour, the motion passed with 10 in favor, 1 opposing and1 abstention.

In the late afternoon of Thursday, December 23, 2021, Tribal Secretary staff sent out an electronic copy of Resolution H-004-2022 with an email notification stating, “Attached for your information, is Resolution for continuance of the FY 2021 General Fund Budget to be effective January 1, 2022 until such time the Tribal Council formally adopts by Resolution, the final negotiated FY 2022 General Fund Budget and Expenditure and Appropriations Language.”

Hopi Elections Office Releases Official Results Eleven Days After November 11, 2021 General Elections

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – November 24, 2021 and eleven days after the Hopi General Elections were held, with Hopi Tutuveni attending the General Election canvassing before being asked to leave by George Nasofotie, Jr. Chairman – Hopi Elections, Tutuveni staff made email contact at 2:01 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021.

At 2:36 p.m. Shupla sent out an email to the “All list” and others noting, “Good Afternoon…I am so sorry I did not send out the ‘OFFICIAL RESULTS” of the General Elections [.. meeting] deadlines etc. I’m sorry but here it is.” Included in the email was a PDF file named “ 2021 OFFICIAL RESULTS GENERAL ELECTIONS”

At 2:40 p.m. Shupla then sent a reply to the Tutuveni staff email inquiry noting, “OH my gosh I am so sorry …I just sent it out through tribal [email.. I] have been so busy with all the other requirements of the General elections thank you Romalita for the inquiry. Have a great day.” Nothing else was included in the email and no other reasons were provided for the delay in sending out the Official Results.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 10:03 a.m. Shupla sent out another email to the “All list” and others noting, “Good Morning, I am resending the results out again and hope you will share with family and friends. Our office does not put out a written formal notice of the General Election only the Official Results, our office has always just posted the results and letters to the candidates, Hopi Tribal Council and the Hopi B.I.A. Agency per our Ord. #34. So by posting the “Official Results” this indicates that there were no challenges via delivery: to PBX (Tribal Post Box), U.S. Postal Mail or hand delivery by 5:00 p.m. or before or after 5:00 p.m. on the close of Nov. 17, 2021. For further information on the Oath of Office, [Inauguration etc.] you would contact the Tribal Secretary’s Office. Our office has completed the 2021 Hopi Tribal General Elections. The Hopi Election Board thanks the programs who were involved and you all for being a part of [the this] process for the Hopi Tribe. Asquali, Kwak’ha.”

In the 2021 General Election Official Results, incumbent Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma shows Total votes cast in his favor as 841, with David N. Talyumptewa garnering 587 of the votes. The Total was the same as that in the previously released “Un-Official Results” with Nuvangyaoma having led by 254 votes for the seat of Chairman of the Hopi Tribe. (See Official Results depicted above)

In the 2021 General Election Official Results, incumbent Clark W. Tenakhongva shows Total votes cast in his favor as 628, with Craig Andrews garnering 802. Andrews had a lead of 174 votes for the seat of Vice Chairman of the Hopi Tribe. (See Official Results depicted above)

During the 2021 Primary and General Elections this similar contact fashion has been utilized by Shupla in sending information to the Hopi Tribal employees and others included in the recipient sections of the emails. Other than these types of emails, the Hopi Tutuveni has not been contacted by Shupla or any other Hopi Elections Board members via phone, email or in-person inquiry to specifically utilize the Hopi Tutuveni to get information out in publications. The Hopi Elections Office has foregone submitting any press releases or requests to advertise since March 2021 when a lengthy press release was submitted but was then abruptly pulled.

The Hopi 2021 Primary and General Elections processes have been completed but not without challenges surrounding the pandemic which included having to extend the Early Voting up though November 3^rd due to having to close and sanitizing of the Hopi Elections Office from October 27-29, 2021.

Also impacting the processes was resignations from Hopi Elections Board members and a most recent issue surrounding emails and letters sent by Dorothy Ami, Hopi Elections Board member to the Hopi Chairman, Hopi Vice Chairman, and Hopi General Counsel. Contents of the letter were not read into record however the issue seemed of enough importance and concern that the Hopi Tribal Council determined to suspend the rules and placed on the HOPI TRIBAL COUNCIL 4th Quarter Session September 2021 AGENDA Month of November 2021 – Amendment #1 as “XI. NEW BUSINESS, Item 6. Discussion/Possible Action – Memorandum dated November 8, 2021 to Clark Tenakhongva from Frederick Lomayesva; Subject: Dorothy Ami – Rosa Honani, Tribal Council Representative, Village of Sipaulovi.

Council addressed and discussed the item in Executive Session on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 and upon coming out of Executive Session a motion was made to direct the Office of General Counsel to write a letter to Hopi Elections Board concerning the matter. No further information was shared.

It is interesting to note that on the OFFICIAL RESULTS provided by Shupla, there isn’t a signature for either Mardell Lomayestewa (Member) or for Dorothy Ami (Member) however signatures for George Nasafotie, Jr. (Chairman), Colleen Selestewa (Vice-Chairman) and Darlene Lucario-Nuvamsa (Alternate Member) are shown along with the date of 11/18/21.

Hopi Tutuveni contacted the Hopi Tribal Secretary’s Office on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at approximately 11:00 a.m. to inquire if the Official Results had been received from the Hopi Elections Office. Staff notified Tutuveni staff that the information had been received “yesterday” and will be read into record on December 1st.

Hopi Tutuveni Shares the Following Media Alert – Public Hearings Occurring on Hopi This Saturday, November 20, 2021

Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission Starts 30 Day Public Hearing on Adopted Draft Maps for Arizona’s Congressional and Legislative Districts

Meetings in Prescott Valley and Kykotsmovi for In person Comments

Submitted by: Michele J. Crank, Public Information Officer

Phoenix, Ariz. – November 20, 2021, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission will host an opportunity for in-person public input on the adopted draft maps for Arizona’s nine congressional districts and 30 state legislative districts in Prescott Valley and Kykotsmovi, AZ.

The adopted draft maps are posted to adopted congressional draft map and adopted legislative draft maps. There are numerous ways individuals can provide input on these maps:

Attend in-person meetings to provide comments: draft map hearings (Nov. to Dec) schedule.
Pre-register for public comment during virtual town halls. Friday Nov.12, Friday, Nov 19, Friday, Dec. 3. The virtual meetings start at 12:00 pm (MST) all pre-registration must be completed by no later than 11:00 pm day of meeting. For Pre-registration visit: draft map hearings (Nov. to Dec) schedule.
Provide online feedback:
provide feedback on draft congressional maps.
provide feedback on draft legislative maps.
Provide comments from the IRC website “Contact Us” contact us.
Email us at ircadmin@azdoa.gov

The adopted draft maps are the third of a four-phase process to draw new district boundaries. After a 30-day public comment period, the IRC will meet again to establish final district boundaries. This fourth and final phase is expected to conclude in December 2021.

Sat. Nov. 20 10.00 am (MST)

Main Location: Prescott Valley Public Library 7401 Skoog Blvd. Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Satellite Location: Hopi Veterans Memorial Center State Hwy 264 Mile Marker 375.5 Kykotsmovi Village, AZ 86039 Masks mandatory

All public hearings will provide Spanish interpreters and American Sign Language interpreters.

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Hopi General Elections Held on Thursday, November 11, 2021

Hopi Elections Office Issues Un-Official Results

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – November 12, 2021 and less than a day after having attended the Hopi General Election canvassing held at the Peace Academy, the Hopi Tutuveni was recipient of an email sent by Karen Shupla, Registrar of the Hopi Elections Office on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 11:32 a.m. with SUBJECT: “2021 Hopi Tribal General “Un-Official Results” – Hopi Elections” and in similar contact fashion that Shupla has been sending a majority of the 2021 Primary and General Election information as.

Included in the email was a file named “2021 General Election Un-Official Results” which contained information being depicted above. The depiction is also on the front cover of the Hopi Tutuveni November 17, 2021 Volume 29, Number 22 publication. The message in the email contained the following message: “Good Morning, attached is the “Un-Official Results” for the General Elections which was canvassed on November 11, 2021. The Oath of Office will be given on December 1, 2021 the first meeting of the first quarter of the Hopi Tribal Council. The elections will become Official on November 17, 2021 following the challenge deadline date. Thank you.”

In the 2021 General Election Un-Official Results, incumbent Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma shows Total votes cast in his favor as 841, with David N. Talyumptewa garnering 587 of the votes. Nuvangyaoma led by 254 votes for the seat of Chairman of the Hopi Tribe in the Un-official Results depicted above.

In the 2021 General Election Un-Official Results, incumbent Clark W. Tenakhongva shows Total votes cast in his favor as 628, with Craig Andrews garnering 802. Andrews had a lead of 174 votes for the seat of Vice Chairman of the Hopi Tribe.

General Election was set for Thursday, November 11, 2021 and the Hopi Elections Office required those who had Absentee Ballots to have them mailed into the Kykotsmovi Post Office, where Hopi Elections Office receives its mail, by November 10, 2021. In a general email notification sent October 11, 2021, Shupla noted, “IMPORTANT DATE: November 10, 2021 is the date the Hopi Election Board will be collecting the remaining Absentee Ballots from the Kykotsmovi Post Office. November 11, 2021 is a National Holiday and the post office will be closed. Canvassing will be held on November 11, 2021 beginning at around 7:30 p.m. at the Peace Academic Center, Kykotsmovi, [Arizona]…”

Having received the general email notification on October 11, 2021 including information about canvassing, Hopi Tutuveni staff researched Ordinance 34 Hopi Tribal Election Ordinance, Adopted August 1996 to learn more about “CANVASS OF ELECTION RESULTS”

On page 22 of the document which is currently on the Hopi Elections webpage located at: www.hopi-nsn.gov/tribal-govenrment/hopi-elections-office/ it notes, “The public may be present at the counting of the ballots.”

Based on the information researched and found, Hopi Tutuveni attended the November 11, 2021 “Canvassing” until approximately 9:59 p.m. when George Nasafotie, Jr. Chairman – Hopi Elections Board, approached Tutuveni staff and asked them to leave “…due to not having permission to be there and for taking pictures.”

At that point no ballots had been counted before half of the Hopi General Elections Canvassing staff was released, after having been served a meal and leaving the Peace Academy cafeteria half empty. Tutuveni staff didn’t respond and left the premises and no further contact was received from the Hopi Elections Office until having received the November 12, 2021 email from at 11:32 a.m. from Shupla.

As noted in Shupla’s November 12, 2021 email, “The elections will become Official on November 17, 2021 following the challenge deadline date.”

Should there be no challenges sent into the Hopi Elections Office about the 2021 General Election Un-Official Results and if the results become official, the Hopi Tutuveni November 17, 2021 publication will have been shared electronically and printed versions distributed. However, the updates and any official results will be shared on the Hopi Tutuveni webpage on the Hopi Tribe’s website located at: www.hopi-nsn.gov/news/hopi-tutuveni/

In support of the Hopi Veterans Services, Hopi Tutuveni wishes all Veterans a very Happy Veterans Day 2021

Askwali/Kwa kwha for your service and commitment to your country and people.

Hopi General Election Set for November 11, 2021

Hopi Elections Office Issues Email – Updated Early Voting Information

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – October 29, 2021 Karen Shupla, Registrar Hopi Elections Office notified recipients on the Hopi Tribe’s “All list” and others, via an October 28^th email with Subject: Early Voting Extended- Hopi Elections Office about the latest updates regarding the Hopi Tribe’s Early Voting opportunities being rescheduled due to closure of the office “the last few days” referring to October 26–28, 2021.

Just two days prior on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Cianna Sakeva, Hopi Elections Assistant notified all Hopi Tribal Workers via email that, “The Hopi Elections Office will be closed for the remainder of the day today (10/26) and all day tomorrow (10/27) due to an exposure in our office. We are taking the necessary precautions with sanitization which will take place immediately.”

In Shupla’s email notification she explained, “…due to unforeseen circumstances the Hopi Elections Office had to be closed for a couple of days, Early Voting was scheduled during this time. Normal business hours will continue beginning tomorrow Friday, October 29, 2021…8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.…” Further information also included, “…the Office will be open to continue the Early Voting cycle. Early Voting will be [extend] through November 1, 2 and the 3rd due to the closure of the office the last few days. This will give those an opportunity to come and vote if they had tried to come to the office during the time of closure…For more information you may contact the Hopi Elections Office tomorrow, Friday October 29, 2021, 1-928-734-2507/2508 or email Kshupla@hopi.nsn.us. Thank you for understanding.”

Today, October 29, 2021, Shupla sent out another email notification with Subject: Early Voting Extension – Hopi Elections Office and included a general information flyer noting the same information as that listed in the above paragraph.

Although neither Shupla nor the Hopi Elections Board has submitted the information for advertising or in a press release, Hopi Tutuveni is including the information in the November 3^rd publication for the benefit of ensuring information is shared with the eligible Hopi voters. The information is being included, as a courtesy from Hopi Tutuveni, in this democratic process of voting in 2021 Hopi Tribal General Elections.

General Election is set for Thursday, November 11, 2021 and the Hopi Elections Office will require those who have Absentee Ballots to have them mailed into the Kykotsmovi Post Office, where Hopi Elections Office receives its mail. In a general email notification sent October 11, 2021, Shupla noted, “IMPORTANT DATE: November 10, 2021 is the date the Hopi Election Board will be collecting the remaining Absentee Ballots from the Kykotsmovi Post Office. November 11, 2021 is a National Holiday and the post office will be closed. Canvassing will be held on November 11, 2021 beginning at around 7:30 p.m. at the Peace Academic Center, Kykotsmovi, [Arizona]…”

Tutuveni has been providing updates and information regarding the upcoming 2021 Hopi Tribal Elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman by making contact with the Hopi Elections Office staff and providing opportunities for press releases and ad placements. The Hopi Elections Office has foregone submitting any press releases or requests to advertise since March 2021 when a lengthy press release was submitted but was then abruptly pulled.

Hopi Tutuveni staff made phone contact with the Hopi Elections Office on Thursday, October 28, 2021 to inquire about updated vote counts and information about Early Voting being rescheduled. No staff was available however a message requesting a return was left on the voice mail. No calls have been received as of October 29, 2021. However information received on Friday, October 22, 2021 from Cianna Sakeva, Hopi Elections Assistant, that counts were being updated on the Hopi Tribe’s website on the Hopi Elections Office page was confirmed on October 26th. Below is what is depicted on the page as of October 29, 2021 and which has not changed since October 26^th:

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the Hopi Elections Board determined “EARLY VOTING SITES” for the Hopi Reservation as another opportunity for the general public to get votes in. It hasn’t been determined as of late, if those efforts brought in more or less voters during the recent Primary Election as compared to previous election years, when there weren’t pandemic concerns present.

One Year Ago Today – Hopi Tutuveni Reported about Hopi Tribal Council’s Emergency Meeting on COVID-19

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, March 17, 2021 One year ago today Hopi Tribal Council requested an update report from Hopi Chairman and Vice Chairman’s Offices regarding measures being taken to address COVID-19 on the Hopi reservation.

Hopi Tutuveni staff was called and requested by the Hopi Secretary’s Office to be present at the meeting. No other requests or notifications were provided to Hopi Tutuveni about the meeting’s occurrence.

Fast forward one year later to today March 17, 2021, although Hopi Tutuveni has been repeatedly requesting the ZOOM meeting call-in numbers to fully listen in and report out about the Hopi Tribal Council’s open public session, the Secretary’s Office continues to hold Hopi Tutuveni at bay by not providing access to the call-in number. All the meanwhile Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary’s Office staff has been conducting the call from what used to be the Revenue Commissioner’s Office while the Legislative Building, which holds the Hopi Tribal Council Chambers, is still under construction for COVID-19 pandemic mitigation repairs and upgrades.

A year ago today, Council Chambers was filled with an audience of Tribal employees, Directors and local Hopi School Community School Advisors filling all seats, except for approximately three vacant seats. With social distancing still a requirement at all Hopi Tribal government buildings, via the latest and current standing Executive Order extended through March 31, 2021, that is the assumed reason no one else except the three top Legislative Office staff is allowed in the room, while Council sessions are occurring.

A year ago today Hopi Vice Chairman, Clark Tenakhongva, explained to Council members and the audience that the Hopi Health Care Center front doors were only open for the public to enter and that his office continued to advise people through the local radio public service announcements and that Hopi Tutuveni would be utilized. Caution was also expressed with regard to social media posts and information being shared there. Because of that caution, Tenakhongva explained that Tribal Leadership was taking the lead of Indian Health Services with regard to legitimate information about COVID-19 protocols and procedures. Tenakhongva also mentioned a meeting with local Hopi schools was scheduled later that day, ensuring communication was up to date and not misleading for the public and stakeholders.

Recalling back to that day last year and how very quiet and attentive the audience seemed, was reminiscent of another emergency meeting held at the Council Chambers when the 9/11 Attacks on the United States occurred. Except at the March 2020 meeting the audience was hearing an update about an almost unknown virus, an enemy of sort which was creating a lot of fear and anxiety.

The audience, a year ago today was quiet and attentive while the Vice Chairman continued explaining that local Hopi Village Community Service Administrators would be depended on to determine if restrictions and closures of Hopi villages would take place. This led to discussion surrounding precautions taken by Hopi Tribal employees, who travelled to New York just over one year ago today and who upon returning were required to self-quarantine for fourteen days.

Mentions of an Incident Command Station and all that entailed, including setting aside funding, appointing personnel and point of contacts was made by Tenakhongva before he asked Tribal Council for input that Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Tribal Council members expressed varying perspectives with one being a very memorable expression by Dale Sinquah, First Mesa Consolidated Villages Representative, about not being pleased with the measures being taken at that point in time in March 2020. Sinquah further described the measures as “inadequate.” Those in the audience on that day may recall how he went on to further describe that schools were “doing their own thing” because “this body (meaning the Hopi Tribal Council) has to have a method/guidelines, whether villages agree or not.” He went on to state, “Leadership has to step forward…to say the virus is not here (as he referenced some sentiments of those present)…we have to treat it like it’s here, NOW.” Sinquah went on to state, “We need to take control…we need to take our assets…let’s step up, let’s attend briefings every day, and let’s give our input.” It was clear that Sinquah wanted action to be taken that day, one year ago today.

When Wilfred Gaseoma, Hopi Tribal Treasurer was asked about funding he responded, “Financially, should have no problem, we have funds in Wells Fargo that is accessible, with a couple of accounts we can access with the least amount being $67,000 and highest amount being $27 million. Three accounts can be accessed.” Back then it was unknown if the Federal government would be helping tribes or States, for that matter, with financial resources and other mitigations efforts, as the pandemic was declared just six days before by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The Treasurer along with the Chairman and Vice Chairman were to work on an Action Item addressing a Declaration of Emergency to be presented in a couple days on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Since that day, one year ago, the Hopi Emergency Response Team was established via the Declaration of Emergency, the Federal government after much delay provided funding to tribes, with the Hopi Tribe acquiring over $95 million and subsequently created the CARES Act Committee, which has yet to fully report to Hopi Tribal Council about its activities and spending.

In this past year, the Hopi Tribe has gone through well over ten (10) various Executive Orders, at least three (3) Tribal government shutdowns, with all being included in the 2020 Hopi Tutuveni publications and the most recent Extension of Hopi Executive Order No. 007.2-2020: Reservation-wide Lockdown for All Residents of the Hopi Reservation to limit and control the Spread of the COVID-19 in the March 3, 2021publication.

The switch and transition of layout has made keeping track of which one is an Executive Order versus a Shutdown notification is enough to make one wish to hire an individual to be an Executive Order historian and clerk.

In all honesty, the past year has included so many changes, required quarantines, office shutdowns, temperature checks, pulling of carpets, desks and equipment (the Hopi Tutuveni main office still sits in disarray to this day March 17, 2021) vaccinations and the many deaths and hospitalizations of dear friends, family and community members. It is unfathomable and it is still unbelievable how we have been able to adapt, survive and still put out a publication two times monthly during this worldwide pandemic.

And since March 17, 2020 we at Hopi Tutuveni have been joined in the Hopi communities of First Mesa with another news source called The Village Cryer coming out of the First Mesa Consolidated Villages offices. The Village Cryer had its beginnings as the April 6, 2020 NEWSLETTER put out by First Mesa Consolidated Villages which has now elevated to a newspaper being distributed at the local Circle M market in Lower Polacca. We wish the source much success as we have found the FMCV Tribal Council Representatives articles very informative and aids in understanding what has been occurring at the Tribal Council level. Until we acquire call-in numbers for the Tribal Council session from the Hopi Tribe Secretary’s Office, we may be acquiring approval for sharing of the representative’s articles in the Hopi Tutuveni.

One year ago today, who would have thought we would be relieved as a nation to have vaccines available to combat this sickening COVID-19 virus. Or that we would be calling our national leader by the name President Joe Biden. And one year into this pandemic on Monday, March 15, 2021 we have the very first Native American woman Deb Haaland, from the Laguna Pueblo, serving as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior.

To be writing about surviving this past pandemic year with all the ups and downs, sideways communication, non-communication and correction after correction has been challenging but we did it. We are Hopi. We are Strong. And we are still here. Askwali.

Public Service Announcement

Hopi Tutuveni Main Office remains in same disarray pictured above and as of March 12, 2021. Photo by: R. Laban

Hopi Tutuveni Office Re-opened as of Monday, February 1, 2021

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – As of Monday, February 1, 2021, the Hopi Tutuveni staff and Editorial Board requests the public’s attention to this announcement and update that the Hopi Tutuveni Office has been re-opened by the Managing Editor.

In addition to many other Hopi Tribal employees who have had to quarantine due to contact with others testing positive, Romalita Laban, Managing Editor had to quarantine until January 29, 2021 according to Royce Jenkins, Public Health Authority.

Although Laban tested negative on Saturday, January 16, 2021, current Hopi Tribal protocols and procedures require individuals in contact with someone testing positive to quarantine a minimum of fourteen days.

As of January 19, 2021, Hopi Tribal employees were notified that the Risk Management Building where Hopi Tutuveni Office is located, along with the Vice Chairman’s temporary office, was closed until further notice. The latest update received from the Vice Chairman on the evening of January 19, 2021 was that sanitizing had been completed and he would be returning to the building on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

Laban teleworked while on quarantine until January 29, 2021. Carl Onsae, Assistant Editor completed the newspaper distribution which last occurred on January 20, 2021 ensuring Hopi Tutuveni readers and the public received the publication. The online publication was also made available via Laban’s telework assignment.

Hopi Tutuveni staff awaited reply from the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary about rotating Onsae in as an Essential Employee to cover other duties while Laban was in quarantine. At press deadline on January 19, 2021 and to date, no replies were received from either office. Hopi Tutuveni staff has made numerous requests for both staff to be listed as Essential Employees for circumstances such as this and to reduce burnout.

There is no doubt that the COVID 19 pandemic has severely impacted the Hopi Tutuveni with damages to equipment, loss of effective work time and energy and impacts to the availability to the public and now having staff out on quarantine with no allowance for support staff to be allowed in the office by Tribal Leadership.

Since testing negative, once again, on Saturday, January 30, 2021 Laban has returned to the Hopi Tutuveni office. Although the main office is still in disarray since the Hopi Tribe’s Carpet Project was started, staff has been fully ready to clear through files and equipment for continued work and occupancy. Patrons and the public can leave voice messages for Romalita Laban, Managing Editor at (928) 734-3281 and emails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us. Voice messages can be left for Carl Onsae, Assistant Editor at (928) 734-3283 and emails can be sent to consae@hopi.nsn.us. Normal office hours have resumed and the Risk Management building was opened for Hopi Tutuveni. The Managing Editor, who is listed as an Essential Employee, is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We ask for Hopi Tutuveni supporters’ and the public’s patience and prayers, as we transition through these challenging pandemic times. We are still here, we are Hopi and we are strong. Askwali/Kwa kwa for your continued patronage and support throughout 2021. Pasningwu.

Public Service Announcement

Hopi Tutuveni Office Compromised by 2021 COVID 19 Contact – Office and Risk Management Building Closed for Sanitation

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – As of Tuesday, January 19, 2021, the Hopi Tutuveni staff and Editorial Board requests the public’s attention to this announcement in response to the Hopi Tutuveni Managing Editor being compromised by contact with an individual who tested positive.

In addition to many other Hopi Tribal employees who have had to quarantine due to contact with others testing positive, Romalita Laban, Managing Editor will also have to quarantine until January 29, 2021 according to Royce Jenkins, Public Health Authority.

Although Laban has tested negative, current protocols and procedures require individuals in contact with someone testing positive to quarantine a minimum of fourteen days.

Laban will be teleworking until January 29, 2021, however, Carl Onsae, Assistant Editor will be taking care of the newspaper distribution to occur on January 20, 2021 and ensuring Hopi Tutuveni readers and the public receive the publication. The online publication will also be made available.

Hopi Tutuveni staff await reply from the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary about rotating Onsae in as an Essential Employee to cover other duties while Laban is in quarantine. At press deadline, no replies were received from either office.

The Hopi Tutuveni staff has been informed as of January 19, 2021, along with other Hopi Tribal employees that the Risk Management Building where Hopi Tutuveni Office is located, along with the Vice Chairman’s temporary office, will be closed until further notice.

According to the January 19, 2021 email notification which noted, “Due to possible exposure of the Risk Management building, the Office of the Vice Chairman will have no office coverage until further notice. Staff will be teleworking while the office goes through the sanitizing process.” No further information was provided about how long the sanitizing would take to be completed. The latest update received from the Vice Chairman on the evening of January 19, 2021 was that sanitizing had been completed and he would be returning to the building on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

Hopi Tutuveni staff appreciates the public’s understanding of the current circumstances. Hopi Tutuveni staff has made numerous requests for both staff to be listed as Essential Employees for circumstances such as this. We hope to hear soon that Carl Onsae will be allowed to return to the office now that sanitizing is complete and while the Managing Editor is on telework status.

Until the Hopi Tutuveni office is fully ready for continued occupancy by all staff, patrons and the public can leave voice messages for Romalita Laban, Managing Editor at (928) 734-3281 and emails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us. Voice messages can be left for Carl Onsae, Assistant Editor at (928) 734-3283 and emails can be sent to consae@hopi.nsn.us. Normal office hours will resume once all approvals, sanitizing and the Risk Management building is open for Hopi Tutuveni. The Managing Editor who is listed as an Essential Employee, is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. while on telework status.

Payments for ads can still be taken at the Treasurer’s Office by credit or debit card by calling (928) 734-3124. Check or money order payments can still be sent to: Attention – Hopi Tutuveni – Hopi Tribe P.O. Box 123 Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039.We ask for Hopi Tutuveni supporters’ and the public’s patience and prayers, as we transition through these challenging pandemic times. We are still here, we are Hopi and we are strong. Askwali/Kwa kwa for your continued patronage and support throughout 2021. Pasningwu.

Public Service Announcement

Hopi Tutuveni Office Closed Until Further Notice

By: Romalita Laban

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – As of Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni staff requests the public’s attention to this announcement in response to the Hopi Tribe’s Carpet Removal Project scheduled to be completed at the Hopi Tribal Complex, the Hopi Tribe’s one and only newspaper office will be closed until further notice.

The remaining publications for 2020 will still be published and distributed however due to the limitations being placed on the office, beyond our control, advertisements will be a priority for placement.

The Hopi Tutuveni staff was informed in October 2020 that the Risk Management Building, where the Tutuveni office is housed, would not be impacted by the project. Staff was also informed by the Facilities and Risk Management Department staff that the carpet in the building would not be removed until January 2021.

With no further updates or notices since then, Hopi Tutuveni staff went to report to work at the office on November 25^thand found both offices emptied of all furniture, archive files and newspapers, office equipment, cameras, keys and deposits.

Computer equipment was left on the front porch of the building unattended while facilities staff were going back and forth from the building to building on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 afternoon. No further information about where computer equipment and files were being stored was provided to the Managing Editor.

Hopi Tutuveni staff sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause readers and the Hopi public who look to the newspaper as a source of information and updates about what is occurring on Hopi and in particular with the Hopi Tribal government itself.

The public is also being notified that an announcement about the closure would have come much sooner, if the Hopi Tutuveni staff and Editorial Board had been informed and had a place in the decision-making arena resulting in such an impactful outcome.

Unfortunately, like a number of programs, departments and organizations, the powers that be are challenged with keeping open communications with Hopi Tutuveni, with reasons left unknown. At times, Hopi Tutuveni staff have been excluded from decision-making meetings and discussions. Hopi Tutuveni staff have made numerous requests for both staff to be listed as Essential Employees to only be denied time and time again and which impacts the amount of information being shared with the public. We will strive to continue asking the questions that need to be asked in keeping our public informed and updated.

Upon meeting with Facilities Department staff on Monday, November 30, 2020 an estimated date of when Tutuveni staff might be able to return to the office was slated for Monday, December 7, 2020 but that was still not guaranteed.

Until the Hopi Tutuveni office is ready for occupancy by staff, patrons and the public can leave voice messages for Romalita Laban, Managing Editor at (928) 734-3281 and emails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us. Voice messages can be left for Carl Onsae, Assistant Editor at (928) 734-3283 and emails can be sent to consae@hopi.nsn.us. Once normal office hours are resumed Hopi Tutuveni staff will be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We ask for Hopi Tutuveni Supporters’ and the public’s patience and prayers, as we transition through these challenging pandemic times. We are still here, we are Hopi and we are strong. Askwali/Kwa kwa for your continued patronage and support. Pasningwu.

Hopi Tutuveni joins Hopi Veterans Services – The Hopi Tribe in honoring Hopi & Tewa Veterans for Veterans Day, November 11, 2020

Future Hopi Culture Will Depend on Reliable Clean Water

The Hopi Tribe Clarifies the Importance of Access to Healthy Water for Future Generations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted by: Water & Energy Committee – Hopi Tribe

Phoenix, Ariz. – November 02, 2020, the Hopi villages and communities will need access to healthy, clean, reliable water for all future generations. As we move into the eighth week of the second phase of the Little Colorado (LCR) Adjudication trials, the Hopi Tribe continues with showcasing how the culture, economic development and future planning of Hopi livelihood is deeply connected to having access to water. As the proceedings continue, Hopi has engaged with several fact witnesses to testify on behalf of the Hopi Tribe. The fact witnesses include individuals who can speak about the future cultural connection to water, the uses for domestic, municipal, commercial and light industrial (DCMI) economic development needs.

Hopi Tribe presented expert testimony on restoration of the washes and springs; a future plan to create irrigated gardens near the villages based upon the gardens at Hotevilla, Wepo and Talahogan Canyon; and further evidence on Hopi’s need for water for DCMI uses. The Hopi Tribe is seeking the right to divert water from the Northern Washes for native agriculture. After the past and present trial, the Special Master entered a proposed finding that the Hopi Tribe could divert 18,000 acre feet of water from the Northern Washes for agriculture. With a growing population, the Hopi Tribe is asking for additional water in the future; that is, to allow the Hopi Tribe to divert 28,000 acre feet from the Northern Washes.

“Our own Hopi culture has been very dependent on this pa’hu since time immemorial. The river basin of the Little Colorado River is sacred to Hopi. All the springs, streams and washes that flow into the Little Colorado River is a part of the life on Hopi,” says Craig Andrews, Hopi Tribal Council Representative. “We will always depend on the very little water we have, and continue to turn to our prayers for the rain. It’s important to conserve and protect the water.”

Having the right to divert water from the Northern Washes does not mean that it will rain. The Hopi Reservation remains in drought conditions along with the rest of Arizona and the Colorado River Basin. To preserve the ability to farm in drought conditions, the Hopi Tribe is asking for groundwater that can be stored in reservoirs near the villages and channeled into gardens (0.8-acre plots) for growing corn, beans, squash, and other vegetables. The design is based upon the historic gardens at Hotevilla, Wepo and Talahogan Canyon, where water from springs has been held in reservoirs and channeled to agriculture.

One of the purposes of the Hopi Future Trial is for the Court to determine how much future water the Tribe needs for planning future uses and development of businesses. The Hopi claim for future water includes claims for economic development of the Hopi livestock industry. To obtain water, Hopi must present economic development proposals that are reasonably feasible. Hopi is not locked into building specific projects as the market may change, but it must show a reasonably feasible way to put the water to use. The Hopi Tribe will present further evidence on livestock claims; a claim for water for a feedlot to fatten cattle and for water to grow alfalfa at the Oraibi Delta. The Hopi Tribe will present economic development plans and village master plans, as well as testimony to Hopi government management and planning.

Carroll Onsae is the President and Manager of Hopi Telecommunications Inc. and the Hopi Utilities Corporation. He testified about the construction of a fiber optics line for internet on the Hopi Reservation, and planning to upgrade connections of the internet to homes. Mr. Onsae also testified on the Hopi Arsenic Mitigation Project (HAMP), which will replace water from current municipal wells to First Mesa and Second Mesa with water from the Turquoise Trail wells located north of the mesas. HAMP is a multi-year project, near ready to move to construction, to provide arsenic-free water to the Tribe and upgrade the water delivery system on Hopi. It is an example of EPA, IHS, and Hopi working together to deliver safe water to the Hopi people. Mr. Onsae also discussed how the Hopi Utilities Corporation is gathering data on the electrical grid on Hopi to propose advancements to the electrical system.

“Today, the water resources available to Hopi are very limited especially with the on-going drought we all face. We have projects in development to help us bring some of that water to the villages,” expressed Rosa Honani, Hopi Tribal Council Representative. “However, the water infrastructure that will be necessary to deliver water from other resources to the Hopi villages is very expensive but very possible as we look to the future in our planning and economic development.”

Dr. Michael Hanemann, one of the expert witnesses, testified recently on the Hopi Tribe’s claim for domestic, commercial, municipal, and industrial water. This is a measure of water needed for the villages. Hopi is seeking the same amounts of water that non-Indian communities use; Hopi requests 160 gallons per person per day (gpcd). The U.S. Government is seeking 150 gpcd. Flagstaff is the most vocal opponent of this claim. Flagstaff claims that its water usage is only 100 gpcd. That would be true if you ignored the reclaimed water they use, the leakages in their water system, and the number of people they have in multi-residential housing which has a lower water use than single family homes. Dr. Hanemann testified that if you factored in all these other uses, Flagstaff’s water use would exceed 160 gpcd.

One of the most important developments in the trials, recently, is the introduction into evidence of the 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2019 Economic Development Plans for the Hopi communities. The ultimate goal of this litigation is to obtain water to implement these plans. These plans were the subject of testimony this week and will be the subject of testimony of future Hopi witnesses. In the next two weeks the Hopi will introduce the 2011 strategic land plans and the master plans of the villages.

“The future economic plans for Hopi always includes considerations and conversations around how much water we will need to sustain the business ideas and the communities we serve,” claimed Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma. “We need water for everything we do, from ceremonies to running our stores, from small baby naming events to providing clean reliable water for villages at large dances.”

The Little Colorado River Adjudication ‘Virtual Trial’ of the Hopi Tribe’s water rights claims started on Monday September 14, 2020, at 9:00 am, with opening statements by the attorneys representing Hopi and the statements from other parties opposing the Hopi Tribe’s water rights claims. The trials will continue into next year. The LCR adjudication will continue using an online platform with all entities engaging through video conferencing including cross-examination of key witnesses and experts using technology. The public and Hopi community is encouraged to join the trials by calling the bridge line provided by the Special Master, and the most current toll free information for listening to the trials is (855) 506-9695 with a prompt for the passcode: 357264#.

For questions or more information, please call the Hopi Tribe; Office of the Chairman at (928) 734-3102 or Office of the Vice Chairman (928) 734-3113.

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Public map of Little Colorado River (credit reserved)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted by: Water & Energy Committee – Hopi Tribe

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – As of August 25, 2020, the Water & Energy Committee of the Hopi Tribe announces that the Little Colorado River Adjudication “Virtual Trial” of the Hopi Tribe’s water rights claims will begin Monday September 14, 2020, at 9:00 am, with Opening Statements by the Tribe and the parties opposing the Tribe’s water rights claims. Opening Statements summarize legal positions and evidence that will be presented at trial to support those positions. The trial is expected to last into January 2021.

September 2020 LCR Trial Calendar

September 14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Opening Statements

September 15, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. US Expert Witness John Ward (Overall Hydrology) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 6 hours

September 16, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. US Expert Witness Gretchen Greene (Population) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 8 hours

September 17, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. US Expert Witness Paul Hamai (DCMI) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 7 hours

September 21, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. US Expert Witness Edward Lucero (Livestock Carrying Capacity) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 6 hours

September 22, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. US Expert Witness John Ward (Power Plant Hydrology) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 5 hours

September 23, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. US Expert Witness Paul Hamai (Power Plant Design) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 4 hours

September 24, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. US Expert Witness Jacob Bass (Power Plant Economic Feasibility) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 6 hours

September 29, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Hopi Expert Witness Neil Blandford (Overall Hydrology) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 8 hours

September 30, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Hopi Expert Witness Craig Kunkel (Infrastructure Costs) Direct and Cross Examination, Time Estimate – 8 hours

Hopi witness testimony will continue through October and into November, 2020. 16 members of the Hopi Tribe are scheduled to testify between Tuesday October 27, 2020 and Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Trial calendars for future months will be published at a later date.

Hopi-Tewa Community Members are encouraged to call in and listen to the Proceedings.

You will not need to say anything while on the phone.

You may simply call in and listen.

For public access to the court proceedings, on

Monday, September 14, 2020 or any subsequent trial day

at 9:00 a.m.

Please call: 224-501-3412

Enter passcode 374-401-397

If disconnected for any reason, repeat instructions above.

The Court is aware of problems that were experienced with the call-in line during the August 28, 2020 pre-trial hearing. We expect that the problems will be corrected. Please provide feedback about your experience using the Court’s public line, or questions you have about the LCR Adjudication, by emailing Thayne Lowe at tlowe@omlaw.com.

For questions of more information, please call the Hopi Tribe; Office of the Chairman at (928) 734-3102, OR Office of the Vice Chairman (928) 734-3113.

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By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – August 4, 2020 with a quorum present on this day Hopi Tribal Council, by motion and majority vote, approved Action Item #066-2020 – To approve Attorney Contract with Amy Mignella and Action Item #067 – To approve Attorney Contract with Carlene Tenakhongva.

A day before on Monday, August 3, 2020 with a quorum present Council by motion and majority vote approved Action Item #065-2020 – To approve Attorney Contract with Travis Hyer. All three Action Items were authored by Fred Lomayesva, General Counsel of the Hopi Tribe’s Office of General Counsel.

It has been approximately four months, since the March 25, 2020 approval of Action Item #036-2020 by Council when a quorum was present and addressed Council’s appointment of Fred Lomayesva as General Counsel. During these past months of working under restrictive social distancing measures, Lomayesva and his staff, have been addressing many legal issues including having contact with outsourced lawyers representing the Hopi Tribe on matters such as the Little Colorado River Litigation, 1996 Land Settlement issue, the Snow Bowl litigation efforts to name a few. Having direct legal review of the Hopi Tribe’s Personnel issues and matters, Hopi Code Amendments with regard to the 2020 world wide pandemic issues present on the Hopi reservation – a list not totally inclusive of all matters, in addition to filling the three vacant General Deputy Counsel positions.

Prior to Lomayesva’s appointment in March 2020, the Hopi Tribe was challenged to get the Office of General Counsel fully staffed since November 12, 2019. In the January 22, 2020 publication Hopi Tutuveni reported that the Hopi Tribal Council adopted “Interim Policies and Procedures for Legal Support and Review” as a means for meeting the challenge of having vacancies in the office, until Lomayesva was appointed.

Lomayesva authored the three separate Action Items at the request of Council and continued with presenting from Monday, August 3, 2020 through today, August 4, 2020. It didn’t seem that the Action Item #’s 065-2020 and 066-2020 took quite as much time for discussion and debate as Action Item #067-2020, nonetheless, they all received a majority vote and approval.

Hopi Tutuveni reached out to Fred Lomayesva, General Counsel who provided the following: “The Hopi Tribal Council passed three resolutions extending offers of employment as Deputy General Counsel to Travis Hyer, Amy Mignella and Carlene Tenakhongva. All three are qualified attorneys who have experience working with Indian tribes and peoples. Mr. Hyer is an experienced tribal prosecutor who will bring to the Tribe his knowledge of the Hopi Tribal Court and law enforcement. Ms. Mignella is an experienced attorney with over twenty-five years in law. Carlene Tenakhongva is a member of the Hopi Tribe and licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona and the Hopi Tribal Courts. With the approval of the contracts, the Office of the General Counsel will be fully staffed. This is the first time in the Tribe’s history that the Office of General Counsel will have two qualified Hopi attorneys working to promote the legal interests of the Hopi Tribe and people.”

Hopi Tribal Woman Member from Tewa Village Beats COVID-19

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Polacca, Ariz. – Sunday, May 31, 2020, after just over a couple weeks of learning that Jacqueline Nahee, an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe, had recovered from and beat Covid-19, as Managing Editor of the Hopi Tutuveni, I reached out to Nahee.

I connected to Nahee and shared that I recently received results from the COVID-19 test I took at the Hopi Health Care Center – IHS (HHCC- IHS) and that I tested negative for COVID-19. She knew I have also been following her progress on social media. Since she shared on May 9, 2020 on social media about receiving a positive test result and what she experienced in her recovery from the deadly virus, I have been looking forward to learning of her rebound.

I requested permission to share her May 9, 2020 social media post on Facebook. On the post Jacqueline, known as G-O to family and friends, referenced her ordeal of testing positive for COVID-19, the symptoms she experienced and then eventually recovering.

Since she already made the information public, it made asking to share her story much easier. In fact, she replied, “First of all I’m so happy with your negative result. You are more than welcome to share my story. I’m always willing to help in some way. Keep running those hills, I believe running is medicine.”

Another reason, I reached out to her is due to not seeing or reading about Hopi Tribal members who have recovered during this pandemic. Although we have been informed about the COVID-19 data regarding Hopi Tribal members being tested at HHCC-IHS, the number of positives, negatives and those still pending, and some data for some Hopi Villages, there hasn’t been any reporting about how many of those with the positive cases have recovered.

Jacqueline Nahee comes from Tewa Village, originally known as Hanoki, located on First Mesa, and is an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe. First Mesa is one of three mesas located on the easterly end of the Hopi reservation, which has three Hopi villages located “on top.” The Hopi Tribe’s Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) is currently describing First Mesa villages as “Polacca Walpi-Sitsom’ovi-Tewa” when listing data about Hopi tribal members from those villages however it is not distinguishing data for each village in particular.

It is important to note that Nahee was not tested at the HHCC-IHS, so her particular case would not be included in what HHCC-IHS is reporting to the Hopi Tribe. It remains unclear whether her case would be included in what the HDHHS – Hopi Tribe reports, either. At this point, contact has not been made to either organization to confirm, however, due to HIPPA laws, I don’t believe either organization would share that information with Hopi Tutuveni anyway.

All that aside, I thought it would be a positive step towards informing and educating the Hopi Tutuveni readers about how other Hopi Tribal members have found the courage, not only to get tested but to share their experience, as well. This allows for others to have something to relate to and can know and believe that recovery is happening for our very own people. It is hopeful to know that those testing positive do recover and are not just a number in all the COVID-19 data being shared.

Nahee is an avid marathon runner and has completed the Boston Marathon in the recent past. She comes from a family of strong runners. Jackie currently lives and works in Winslow, Ariz. for the project SNTEPP, which stands for Southwest Navajo Tobacco Education Prevention Program and is funded by the Black Hills Center for American Indian Health (BHCAIH) and according to the BHCAIH, the mission of SNTEPP is: “The Southwest Navajo Tobacco Education Prevention Project’s primary goal is to improve the health of Navajo people living on the Navajo Nation with a primary focus on children through commercial tobacco prevention, cessation, and policies, while respecting traditional practices and ceremonies associated with tobacco use.” The program involves educating the young about smoking, training and prevention initiatives. Jackie has worked in the past for the Hopi Tribe under direct leadership of Hopi Tribal Chairman Wayne Taylor, Jr., as well.

With a few minor edits to give context for readers, below are Jacqueline’s posts:

Posted – May 9, 2020 12:46 p.m. “Good afternoon! I am thankful for another beautiful day. Now that I have informed my mom, I feel it’s time to let you all know that a couple weeks ago I tested positive for Covid-19. I was Asymptomatic with only a headache which started about 3 weeks ago [approximately April 18^th.] I let my guard down. A few days later, the person I was exposed to, tested positive for the virus. Once I was informed, I went to the clinic, but couldn’t be tested due to [no] symptoms. However, I knew I had it. Finally, two weeks from tomorrow [around April 26^th] I went back to the clinic and insisted that I be tested although I still had no symptoms. Two days later I was informed that I was positive for the virus. One good thing was that I was already practicing social distancing and wearing a mask, so I knew I didn’t infect anyone. I was still able to go on my runs to check my breathing and if I came across someone, I’d move to the other side of the road to keep my distance. I had my bad days and late nights where I would get this feeling of being in a daze or light headed. I called it that “ugly feeling.” When I did get that ugly feeling, I would go walk or jog regardless of what time of the day it was, at night I would clean. It’s been almost a week now where I have not felt that ugly feeling. I was retested yesterday and awaiting the results. I just want to express how important it is to exercise, because I strongly believe that it got me through this, take your vitamins and know your body. Walking, running, biking, leg lifts, lifting, etc. anything to move your body. I’m not seeking sympathy but awareness that this virus is for real and should be taken seriously. I am fortunate that I have such great friends Vanessa Kvien, Emily Kewanimptewa and Terri Little who brought me groceries, dinner, support, also, my loving sisters for checking on me every day. And my boss Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson who [help] me with controlling my emotions and being there all hours of the day and night, when I needed to talk. Mom has been through so much so I kept it from her. With that said, please be careful, stay home, wash your hands, no visitors, wear your mask, no hugs, but stay in touch with loved ones via phone, internet. I thought sharing my story will help in some way. I love you all.”

Posted – May 15 at 6:08 p.m. “Good Evening! Today I got retested…Negative! I beat Covid-19. Thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray for all those who have this awful virus. Again, I would like to emphasize the importance of social distancing, wearing your mask, washing your hands and staying home. Love you all.”

Nahee has continued running throughout her illness and is still going strong and ran 13.1 miles on the day the article was being written. Hopi Tutuveni appreciates Jacqueline Nahee’s willingness to share her story and wishes her continued good health now and throughout her life. For all those being impacted by COVID-19, we send positives and a quick and speedy recovery from the illness and/or any losses experienced from the contagious virus. Stay hopeful, be safe, be well and wash your hands. – Uma nahongvitotani.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Requests for Hopi Tribal Council Agenda Goes Unanswered

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Hopi Tutuveni is still not in receipt of any replies from the Hopi Tribal Secretary’s Office regarding updated Hopi Tribal Council Meeting Agendas and meeting outcomes.

As of Friday, April 17, 2020 Tutuveni staff contacted the Secretary’s Office requesting updated information for the Hopi public readers’ information. No response to the inquiry has been received as of publication of this article.

On Monday, April 20, 2020 follow up contact was made along with submission of the Secretary’s Office Information Request Form for an updated Tribal Council Agenda. During the follow up contacts to the Vice Chairman’s Office, Tutuveni staff was informed that Hopi Tribal Council was indeed in session on that day. Requests to Tribal Secretary’s Office for updates on the latest procedures for allowing the public’s attendance or opportunity to listen in on the open public meetings went unanswered. No response to that inquiry has been received as of publication of this article.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Tutuveni staff made follow up contact via email to all of the Secretary’s Office staff. On the same morning, Tutuveni was informed by a member of the public that the teleconference line number and a passcode to the Hopi Tribal Council meeting was issued and the individual listened in during the Council meeting held on Monday, April 20, 2020.

Reference to the information was made in the April 21, 2020 email contact to the Hopi Tribal Secretary’s Office, which also remains unanswered as of publication of this article.

Further reports from the individual included notification that the Hopi Tribal Council acted on two items, during the meeting, which included an Action Item concerning the Village of Orayvi and an increase to the Little Colorado River settlement budget to cover expert witness expenses.

As of Tuesday, April 21, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni staff has been requested to turn the front door Risk Management Building key, where the Hopi Tutuveni Office is located, back into the Facilities Department. Although inquiries have been submitted about the request, no other directions and/or written reasons or protocol for why the change has been implemented have been received. Hopi Tutuveni is unaware if all other Hopi Tribal employees are being required to turn in building keys.

Hopi Tutuveni has been prepared to cover any Hopi Tribal Council meetings to provide updates to readers on actions being taken by Tribal Council. However, attempts by the Hopi Tribal Secretary’s Office to hold Tribal Council meetings have failed and mostly due to the Hopi Tribal government phone system and technical issues with teleconference lines. The following is a list of dates on which Hopi Tribal Council attempted to meet and reasons for meetings not occurring:

Tuesday, April 28, 2020 – Hopi Tribe phone system down due to hardware issues.

Friday, May 8, 2020 9:00 a.m. – Hopi Tribe phone system technical difficulties apparently due to “getting a hit” during a recent rain storm and according to Chairman Nuvangyaoma. (Meeting rescheduled to Monday, May 11, 2020)

Monday, May 11, 2020 9:00 a.m. – Phone system technical difficulties. (Meeting rescheduled to Thursday, May 21, 2020)

Hopi Tutuveni attended a meeting on Monday, May 18, 2020 at the Hopi Jr./Sr. High School where some Hopi Tribal Council representatives, Hopi Tribal Secretary staff, Hopi Chairman Nuvangyaoma and Hopi Vice Chairman Tenakhongva all joined to do a test run of holding a Council meeting in the Hopi Bruins Den – Cafeteria while meeting social distancing requirements, as much as possible.

HJSHS technology staff, KUYI Hopi Radio staff and Hopi Tutuveni were also in attendance making sure all the technical aspects were covered and to cover the progress being made to ensure Hopi Tribal Council had internet and email access, the phone system was accessible and any Tribal Council representatives choosing to dial-in or log into a Zoom type meeting could do so, as well. The next Hopi Tribal Council meeting is tentatively scheduled to occur this Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and which the public will be allowed to listen in via KUYI Hopi Radio at 88.1FM.We will do our best to cover the meeting as well and hope before the meeting occurs, to have received an updated Hopi Tribal Council Agenda for the rescheduled meeting.

Although we would like to keep Hopi Tutuveni readers up to date, informed and educated about issues affecting them, until we receive word from Hopi Tribe’s Management Information Systems and Facilities Department about after hours/weekend access, we cannot promise any updates during any other times.

Until we receive communications about internet, email and Risk Management Building access the Hopi Tutuveni is being seriously impacted in its ability to bring up to date information to Hopi Tutuveni readers and users of the webpage.

While it is critically important that we do our part to prevent and control the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 virus, the May 20, 2020 publication is scheduled for distribution only to local stores, post offices and areas accessible by the public for food and other essentials during the Stay-at-Home Order for all residents of the Hopi Reservation. In addition, a limited amount of printed copies will be provided to the Shungopavi Security check point staff, to hand out to residents upon entrance to the village and until the supply is depleted.

Hopi Tutuveni office remains closed to the public and in accordance with the Tribal Government shutdown requirements through May 31, 2020. Hopi Tutuveni staff can be reached at 928-734-3281 or 928-401-6435 and e-mails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHHS-Hopi Tribe COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, May 6, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

During an April 24, 2020 town hall, HHCC-IHS officials stated that of the April 23, 2020 39 Cumulative Number Positive results, there have been over 20 confirmed cases of Hopi Tribal members. However, it was clarified that it does not mean the individuals live on the Hopi reservation.

On that date, Chairman Nuvangyaoma also reported that there are positive cases in the following Hopi communities: Spider Mound, Polacca, Shungopavi, Kykotsmovi, Oraibi, Hotevilla, Bacavi, Lower Village of Moencopi, and the Upper Village of Moencopi. Chairman Nuvangyaoma clarified that the individuals from Hotevilla, Bacavi and “Moencopi” were tested at the Tuba City Regional Healthcare facility.

On Monday, April 27, 2020 KUYI Hopi Public Radio reported on its Facebook page that, “the Hopi Emergency Response Team’s Incident Commander has confirmed that as of Friday, two Hopi community members have succumbed to the COVID-19 coronavirus…” Additionally, KUYI also reported today, April 29, 2020 that the Hopi Emergency Response Team reports that, “approximately half of the positive individuals reside on Hopi.”

Thursday, April 30, 2020, Royce Jenkins, Director – Hopi Health and Human Services Department of the Hopi Tribe provided the reports. Due to discrepancies in the report data, Hopi Tutuveni did not publish the data report on that date. Readers may recall that reports were previously being issued by Bruce Talawyma, Chief of Staff – Office of the Chairman. Talawyma was also identified as Liaison by Edison Tu’tsi, Incident Commander of the Emergency Operations Center – Hopi Emergency Response Team, as of Saturday, April 4, 2020. From April 3, 2020 through April 30, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni was receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until, April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Friday, May 1, 2020, Duane Humeyestewa, Executive Advisor to the Office of the Hopi Chairman provided additional explanation that Jenkins would now be providing data on behalf of the Hopi Tribe.

Monday, May 4, 2020, Humeyestewa forwarded Jenkins’ May 4, 2020 Report to Hopi Tutuveni, however, because discrepancies were not clarified, the report was not shared.

On May 5, 2020, Humeyestewa forwarded Jenkins’ May 5, 2020 Report to Hopi Tutuveni. In the format which included the one similar to that which HHCC-IHS provided in its “COVID-19” report the newly added breakdown of “Number of Cases per Village” and notes below the tables (see italics) were also provided:

This information present above has been released by the Hopi Health Care Center and does not [included] state-wide data on Hopi tribal members. Therefore, the data shown, does not reflect patients receiving care at other facilities such as Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, Flagstaff Medical Center, or any others.

28** of the 52 patients total are members of the Hopi Tribe or approximately 55%.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued before releasing. At the time of sharing the May 5, 2020 DHHS – Hopi Tribe article in its May 7th publication, Hopi Tutuveni did not receive a response as to how the one canceled test, previously being reported from April 13th through April 17th is being factored into the data. Hopi Tutuveni did however receive clarification from Jenkins, DHHS Director that the data listed in the Polacca, Walpi, Sitsom’ovi, Tewa section does not correlate with any of those specific villages but are to be read as being associated with the First Mesa villages overall. It was further clarified, today, by the HHCC-IHS that it has not released data which delineates cases by village and that the information is being released by the Hopi Tribe from its sources. Hopi Tutuveni has not received clarification about those sources, as yet, and can only report that Tribal officials report the above positive tests in the Hopi communities.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases now being reported by Royce Jenkins, Director DHHS, after receiving reports from HHCC-IHS and other sources and does not necessarily mean all the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

We will only publish the data as presented, if clarified and correct. Release dates and the tables of data now being sent from Jenkins are being published as vital public information.

We will continue our mission and efforts at the Hopi Tutuveni to inform, educate and be of community service during this challenging time and because we are in it together. We wish all good health, safety and peace of mind and remind all to stay calm, wash your hands, and help to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Tutuveni staff will continue updating the latest reports to the Hopi Tutuveni website when it is received during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. If circumstances allow, the Hopi Tutuveni website will upload updates.

Hopi Tutuveni office remains closed to the public and in accordance with the Tribal Government shutdown requirements through May 31, 2020. Hopi Tutuveni staff can be reached at 928-734-3281 or 928-401-6435 and e-mails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Hopi Tribal Government Shutdown Extended to May 31, 2020

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at approximately 7:44 a.m. Philline Talayumptewa, Executive Secretary, Office of Executive Director sent out an email with a May 4, 2020 MEMORANDUM addressed to ALL HOPI TRIBAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES from Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma, Chairman, Clark W. Tenakhongva, Vice Chairman and Dorma L. Sahneyah, Executive Director with the subject line, “Extension of Tribal Government Shutdown.”

The one-page memorandum referenced the April 13, 2020 “Directive…that all employees, except essential staff, shall telework or work at home” is further extended through May 29, 2020.

The memorandum also referenced that “Although proactive actions have been taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19, the pandemic continues to present a threat to the health, safety and well-being of Hopi Tribal Government employees and the general Hopi public.”

The memorandum also referenced, “As many of you know, the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases within the proximate surrounding Navajo Nation continues to increase, which contributes to an already high anxiety level throughout Hopi.”

Employees were also informed, via the Memorandum that the Hopi Tribe’s Finance Department, “…shall [sure] all employees continue to be paid during this extension period.” And all employees were reminded to be available during regular work days and to be able to report to work within an hour of being notified.

Therefore, the May 4, 202 Memorandum issued to Hopi Tribal employees, extends the April 13, 2020 Directive through May 29, 2020.

Almost a couple of hours later, at approximately 9:29 a.m. Talayumptewa sent out another email with the “The Hopi Tribe Executive Order No. 002.2-2020” file attached. The “EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 002.2-2020” further titled “Amending Executive Order No. 002.1-2020 to extend the Stay at Home Order for all residents of the Hopi Reservation” stated that the Chairman of the Hopi Tribe directs that Executive Order 002.1-2020 shall be extended beyond May 9, 2020 and remain in effect through May 31, 2020, unless modified, extended or rescinded…SO ORDERED this 4^th day of May 2020.”

In addition to including the Hopi Executive Order No. 002.2-2020, Talayumptewa also included instructions to recipients to “Please post and share.”

The Hopi Executive Order No. 002.2-2020 referenced “WHEREAS, the Hopi Health Care Center has reported a current total of fifty-two (52) positive COVID-19 cases and approximately 15% to 20% increases in cases of COVID-19 in our region of Northern Arizona; and WHEREAS, the data is still showing significant numbers for people testing positive for COVID-19 and we are still learning, by gaining access data from other surrounding hospitals, including Flagstaff, Winslow, and Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, the extent to which the disease has spread within the Hopi Reservation…continuation of the Stay at Home Order is necessary to limit potential exposure…”

The Hopi Tutuveni landing page located on the Hopi Tribe website at https://hopistage.wpengine.com/news/hopi-tutuveni/ is being updated as official notifications from the Tribal Government are being received.

Due to the increased amount of information being shared and because the Hopi Tutuveni is considered the official newspaper for the public’s information, updates from Hopi Chairman and Vice Chairman’s Offices regarding measures being taken to address Covid-19 on the Hopi reservation will be posted when information becomes available.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Thursday, April 30, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 4:45 p.m. MST today, Duane Humeyestewa Executive Advisor to the Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email. The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni, in an updated report format from Royce Jenkins, Director Hopi Health and Human Services Department of the Hopi Tribe, which included the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report below:

“*This information is released by the HHCC and does not [included] state-wide data on Hopi tribal members. Therefore, data is not shown on patients receiving care at other facilities such as Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, Flagstaff Medical Center, among others. **27 of patients are from the Hopi Tribe.”

The data can be summarized that out of 165 individuals tested on April 30, 2020, 47 patients have tested positive which is an increase from the day before on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 report of 43 Cumulative Number testing positive, 108 patients have tested negative which is an increase of 4 more testing negative since April 29, 2020 and 10 are pending which shows no change from the day before on the 29th.

As of today when HHCC-IHS sent the information to Jenkins, 8 more patients were tested up to that point in time, which was not included in the data or report.

Additional information now being reported and released today includes the information on “Number of Cases per Village” as of “4/29/2020” and “4/30/2020”

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing. At the time of publishing this article, Hopi Tutuveni did not receive a response as to how the one canceled test, previously being reported from April 13th through April 17th is being factored into the data.

Bruce Talawyma, Chief of Staff – Hopi Chairman’s Office has also been identified as Liaison by Edison Tu’tsi, Incident Commander of the Emergency Operations Center – Hopi Emergency Response Team, as of Saturday, April 4, 2020.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean all the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

We will only publish the data as presented. Release dates and the tables of data sent from Mose A. Herne, Chief Executive Officer – HHCC-IHS to Talawyma, Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Hopi Tribal Chairman and Dorma Sahneyah, Executive Director of the Hopi Tribe are being published as the statistics and data are vital public information.

Hopi Tutuveni office remains closed to the public and in accordance with the Tribal Government shutdown requirements through May 9, 2020. Hopi Tutuveni staff can be reached at 928-734-3281 or 928-401-6435 and e-mails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, April 29, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 9:52 a.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format and added information below:

The data can be summarized that out of 157 individuals tested on April 29, 2020, 43 patients have tested positive which did not change from the day before on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 report of 43 Cumulative Number testing positive, 104 patients have tested negative which is an increase of 1 more testing negative since April 28, 2020 and 10 are pending which is an increase of 2 to number of pending from the day before on the 28th.

As of 9:25 a.m. today, April 29, 2020, 3 more patients were tested up to that point in time.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Tuesday, April 28, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

During an April 24, 2020 town hall, HHCC-IHS officials stated that of the April 23, 2020 39 Cumulative Number Positive results, there have been over 20 confirmed cases of Hopi Tribal members However, it was clarified that it does not mean the individuals live on the Hopi reservation.

As of 2:17 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format and added information below:

The data can be summarized that out of 154 individuals tested on April 28, 2020, 43 patients have tested positive which is an increase of 1 from the Monday, April 27, 2020 report of 42 Cumulative Number testing positive, 103 patients have tested negative which is an increase of 1 more testing negative since April 27, 2020 and 8 are pending which is an increase to number of pending from the day before on the 27th.

As of 11:48 a.m. today, April 28, 2020, 7 more patients were tested up to that point in time. The last HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report received by Hopi Tutuveni was from last week, Thursday, April 23 and is below:

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data During Tuhyah (The Sickness) Coronavirus Virtual Town Hall

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Friday, April 24, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

According to invites being circulated via social media and email, the Town Hall, aired on KUYI, 88.1 FM Hopi Radio and held as a Zoom webinar, the objectives were to:

To better understand the coronavirus
Provide key resources
Provide Cultural guidance related to coronavirus
Provide opportunity for Question & Answers

Panel members included Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) personnel, Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma, and facilitators.

It is important to clarify that HHCC-IHS is the primary facility for not only Hopi but also for Kaibab Paiute and Navajo Nation members. No identifying Tribal information has been released by HHCC-IHS until today during the webinar.

During the town hall HHCC-IHS officials stated that of the April 23, 2020 39 Cumulative Number Positive results, there have been over 20 confirmed cases of Hopi Tribal members. However, it was clarified that it does not mean the individuals live on the Hopi reservation.

Chairman Nuvangyaoma also reported that there are positive cases in the following Hopi communities: Spider Mound, Polacca, Shungopavi, Kykotsmovi, Oraibi, Hotevilla, Bacavi, Lower Village of Moencopi, and the Upper Village of Moencopi. Chairman Nuvangyaoma clarified that the individuals from Hotevilla, Bacavi and “Moencopi” were tested at the Tuba City Regional Healthcare facility.

As of today, Hopi Tutuveni was not provided with the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report as it was provided from April 3, 2020 through yesterday, April 23, 2020. The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format. See below for the last data report received:

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing. During the town hall, Chairman Nuvangyaoma stated that a Public Health Advisor has been recently hired.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Thursday, April 23, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

In other words, we’re still not certain how many Hopis have tested positive, other than the one confirmed case by the Hopi village of Bacavi. On April 19, 2020 the village of Shungopavi posted an “URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL SHUNGOPAVI RESIDENTS” to its Facebook page notifying of a “possible case of COVID-19” and First Mesa Consolidated Villages issued a press release today notifying that “on April 16 that two [if] its village members had tested positive for the novel coronavirus a week earlier…” no other information, such as whether the results were included in the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report, was available.

As of 3:03 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format and added information below:

The data can be summarized that out of 136 individuals tested, 39 patients have tested positive which is an increase of 4 from the April 22, 2020 report of 35 Cumulative Number testing positive, 87 patients have tested negative which is an increase of 11 more testing negative since April 22, 2020 and 10 are pending which is decrease to number of pending from the day before.

As of 1:43 p.m. today, April 23, 2020, 3 more patients were tested up to that point in time.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Requests for Hopi Tribal Council Agenda Goes Unanswered

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Hopi Tutuveni is still not in receipt of any replies from the Hopi Tribal Secretary’s Office regarding updated Hopi Tribal Council Meeting Agendas and meeting outcomes.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, Tutuveni staff made follow up contact via email to all of the Secretary’s Office staff, once again. On the same Tuesday morning, Tutuveni staff was informed by a member of the public that the teleconference line number and a passcode to the Hopi Tribal Council meeting was issued to that member of the public. The individual was allowed to listen in during the Council meeting held on Monday, April 20, 2020 after 9:00 a.m. approximately.

Reference to the information was made in the April 21, 2020 email contact to the Hopi Tribal Secretary’s Office, with the following message, which remains unanswered as of publication of this article: “I’m making contact to put a request to you all for the latest updated Tribal Council Agenda. I’ve made contact by phone and email and have not yet received any replies or any information as of today. I know it is a challenging time trying to stay connected and getting communication done, thus my contact. If any of you have received the information, can you please forward our way? I understand Tribal Council met yesterday. I am also aware that some members of the public were given the teleconference number and a passcode. Some individuals have reported that the two items addressed were the Orayvi Village Action Item and an increase of $500,000 to the LCR Expert Witness budget. I am not sure if that is correct but letting you all know that is what is being shared. Is there an established method for any future open public meetings and can that also be shared, please?”

While it is critically important that we do our part to prevent and control the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 virus, the May 6, 2020 publication is scheduled for distribution only to local stores, post offices and areas accessible by the public for food and other essentials during the Stay-at-Home Order for all residents of the Hopi Reservation. In addition, a limited amount of printed copies will be provided to the Shungopavi Security check point staff, to hand out to residents upon entrance to the village and until the supply is depleted.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, April 22, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 1:53 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 133 individuals tested, 35 patients have tested positive which is an increase of 2 from the April 21, 2020 report of 33 Cumulative Number testing positive, 76 patients have tested negative which is an increase of 1 more testing negative since April 21, 2020 and 22 are pending which is a stark comparison to number of pending from the day before.

As of 1:37 p.m. today, April 22, 2020, 20 more patients were tested up to that point in time.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

We will continue our mission and efforts at the Hopi Tutuveni to inform, educate and be of community service during this challenging time and because we are in it together.We wish all good health, safety and peace of mind and remind all to stay calm, wash your hands, and help to stop the spread of COVID-19.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 1:08 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 114 individuals tested, 33 patients have tested positive which is an increase of 6 from the April 20, 2020 report of 27 Cumulative Number testing positive, 75 patients have tested negative which is an increase of 3 more testing negative since April 20, 2020 and 6 are pending.

As of 12:47 p.m. today, April 21, 2020, 3 more patients were tested up to that point in time.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Although we would like to keep Hopi Tutuveni readers up to date, until we receive word from Hopi Tribe’s Management Information Systems staff about after hours and weekend access, we cannot promise any updates during any other times and until we receive communication about internet and email access.

While it is critically important that we do our part to prevent and control the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 virus, the April 15, 2020 publication was distributed only to local stores, post offices and areas accessible by the public for food and other essentials during the Stay-at-Home Order for all residents of the Hopi Reservation. In addition, a limited amount of printed copies were provided to the Shungopavi Security check point staff, to hand out to residents upon entrance to the village and until the supply was depleted.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Monday, April 20, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 2:31 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 111 individuals tested, 27 patients have tested positive which is an increase of 2 from the April 17, 2020 report of 25 Cumulative Number testing positive, 72 patients have tested negative which is an increase of 14 more testing negative since April 17, 2020 and 12 are pending.

As of 1:20 p.m. today, April 20, 2020, 5 more patients were tested up to that point in time.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases. We will only publish the data as presented. Release dates and the tables of data sent from Mose A. Herne, Chief Executive Officer – HHCC-IHS to Talawyma, Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Hopi Tribal Chairman and Dorma Sahneyah, Executive Director of the Hopi Tribe are being published as the statistics and data are vital public information.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Friday, April 17, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

It is important to clarify that Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) is the primary facility for not only Hopi but also for Kaibab Paiute and Navajo Nation members. No identifying Tribal information has been released by HHCC-IHS. In other words, we’re still not certain how many Hopis have tested positive, other than the one confirmed case by the Hopi village of Bacavi.

As of 1:41 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 90 individuals tested (*One patient test was canceled), 25 patients have tested positive which is an increase of 1 from the April 16, 2020 report of 24 Cumulative Number testing positive, 58 patients have tested negative which is an increase of 7 more testing negative since April 16th and 6 are pending.

As of 12:46 p.m. today, April 17, 2020, 2 more patients were tested up to that point in time.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Thursday, April 16, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 1:25 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 88 individuals tested (*One patient test was canceled), 24 patients have tested positive which is an increase from the April 15, 2020 report of 20 Cumulative Number testing positive, 51 patients have tested negative and which did not change since April 15th and 12 are pending, which also showed as constant.

As of 10:58 a.m. today, April 16, 2020, 4 more patients were tested up to that point in time.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, April 15, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

It is important to clarify that Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) is the primary facility for not only Hopi but also for Kaibab Paiute and Navajo Nation members. No identifying Tribal information has been released by HHCC-IHS. In other words, we’re still not certain how many Hopis are infected other than the one confirmed case by the Hopi village of Bacavi.

As of 11:53 a.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email. The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 84 individuals tested (*One patient test was canceled), 20 patients have tested positive, 51 patients have tested negative and 12 are pending.

Also of 9:29 a.m. today, April 15, 2020 just over two hours before the above report was sent, Talawyma sent updated data from the HHCC-IHS “COVID-19” April 14, 2020 report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

In the April 15, 2020 printed publication of the Hopi Tutuveni, a list of the “COVID-19” reports for March 27, 2020 up through April 13, 2020 were included. The report have been issued by Talawyma and which were originally sent to Talawyma, Chairman Nuvangyaoma and Dorma Sahneyah, Executive Director from Mose Herne, HHCC-IHS, since March 27, 2020.

A copy of the April 15, 2020 Hopi Tutuveni publication is available online at https://hopistage.wpengine.com/news/hopi-tutuveni/ and was distributed today.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. Again, these are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Tuesday, April 14, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 9:56 a.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 66 individuals tested (*One patient test was canceled), 15 patients have tested positive, 40 patients have tested negative and 10 are pending.

As of today, April 14, 2020 9:17 a.m. MST, HHCC-IHS reported that 8 individuals were tested up to April 13, 2020 and reported at that date and time. The update shows an increase of 2 in the number of patients testing positive and an increase of 3 testing negative, bringing the Cumulative Number of Negative to 40, since the last report sent by HHCC-IHS on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 11:07 a.m. MST.

In the April 15, 2020 printed publication of the Hopi Tutuveni, a list of the “COVID-19” reports which have been issued to Hopi Tutuveni by Talawyma and which were originally sent to Talawyma, Chairman Nuvangyaoma and Dorma Sahneyah, Executive Director from Mose Herne, HHCC-IHS, since March 27, 2020 are scheduled for published prints.

A copy of the April 15, 2020 Hopi Tutuveni publication will be available online at https://hopistage.wpengine.com/news/hopi-tutuveni/ and distributed tomorrow.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Hopi Tutuveni is being provided the information by Bruce Talawyma, Chief of Staff – Hopi Chairman’s Office who has also been identified as Liaison by Edison Tu’tsi, Incident Commander of the Emergency Operations Center – Hopi Emergency Response Team and as of Saturday, April 4, 2020.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

Tutuveni staff as well as the Hopi Emergency Operations Center has consistently been requesting information and updates from HHCC-IHS, which is operating in support of the HHCC – IHS – Incident Command Center.

Sharing of this information lets the public know how many confirmed COVID-19 cases there have been at the HHCC-IHS. These are confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported at the HHCC-IHS and does not necessarily mean the individuals reside on the Hopi reservation itself.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

We will only publish the data as presented. Release dates and the tables of data sent from Mose A. Herne, Chief Executive Officer – Hopi Health Care Center (HHCC) to Talawyma, Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Hopi Tribal Chairman and Dorma Sahneyah, Executive Director of the Hopi Tribe are being published as the statistics and data are vital public information.

Tutuveni staff will continue updating the latest reports to the Hopi Tutuveni website when it is received during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

While it is critically important that we do our part to prevent and control the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 virus, the April 1, 2020 publication was distributed only to local stores, post offices and areas accessible by the public for food and other essentials during the Stay-at-Home Order for all residents of the Hopi Reservation.

Hopi Tutuveni office remains closed to the public and in accordance with the Tribal Government shutdown requirements through May 9, 2020.

Hopi Tutuveni staff can be reached at 928-734-3281 or 928-401-6435 and e-mails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Hopi Tribal Government Shutdown Extended to May 9, 2020 per Hopi Executive Order No. 002.1-2020

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at approximately 1:36 p.m. Yolanda Baca, Executive Assistant, Office of the Chairman sent out an email with the “Executive Order No. 002.1-2020” file attached. The Executive Order further titled “Extension of Executive Order No. 002-2020 – Stay at Home Order for all residents of the Hopi Reservation to continue to limit and control the COVID-19 spread.” stated that the Chairman of the Hopi Tribe directs that Executive Order 002-2020 shall be extended beyond April 17, 2020 and remain in immediate effect through May 9, 2020, unless otherwise extended…SO ORDERED this 14th day of April 2020.”

In addition to including the Hopi Executive Order No. 002.1-2020, Baca also included instructions to recipients to “Please post and share.” (See below for Executive Order No. 002.1-2020)

Just under twenty-four hours, the day before, Baca also sent an email with a Memorandum being issued from Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma, Chairman, Clark W. Tenakhongva, Vice Chairman and Dorma L. Sahneyah, Executive Director to “ALL HOPI TRIBAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES” dated April 13, 2020 with subject line, “Extension of Tribal Government Shutdown.”

The one-page memorandum referenced the March 20, 2020 “Directive…that all employees, except essential staff, shall telework or work at home” which was to remain in effect until this Friday, April 17, 2020. Therefore, the Memorandum issued to Hopi Tribal employees, effective on April 13, 2020 extended the Hopi Tribal government shutdown through May 8, 2020.

Hopi Tutuveni staff contacted Baca to inquire about the differences in the Shutdown Extended dates and received the reply, “Any questions can be addressed with Dorma for employees.” Further inquiries to the Incident Commander and Hopi Emergency Operations Center regarding reasons for the differing Shutdown Extended dates went unanswered as of the publication submission deadline.

The Hopi Executive Order No. 002.1-2020 and the memorandum referenced efforts to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the high rate of cases in the surrounding “Navajo Nation”…”which is creating a high level of anxiety throughout Hopi.”

Employees were also informed, via the Memorandum that the Hopi Tribe’s Finance Department is working to “make sure all employees will be paid during this extension period.” And all employees were reminded to be available during regular work days and to be able to report to work within an hour of being notified.

Hopi Tribal Government Shutdown Extended to May 8, 2020

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Monday, April 13, 2020 at approximately 4:13 p.m. Yolanda Baca, Executive Assistant, Office of the Chairman sent out an email with a Memorandum being issued from Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma, Chairman, Clark W. Tenakhongva, Vice Chairman and Dorma L. Sahneyah, Executive Director dated April 13, 2020 with subject line, “Extension of Tribal Government Shutdown.”

In addition to noting the update to the Extension of the Tribal Government Shutdown in the email message, Baca also noted, “Please share with fellow Hopi Tribal Employees who are not receiving/checking their emails.”

The one-page memorandum referenced the March 20, 2020 “Directive…that all employees, except essential staff, shall telework or work at home” which was to remain in effect until this Friday, April 17, 2020. Therefore, the newly issued Memorandum, effective today has now been extended through May 8, 2020.

The memorandum also explained that the extension is necessary to continue protecting the health, safety and well-being of Hopi Tribal Government employees and the general Hopi public. It also acknowledged that “Navajo Nation is experiencing a high rate of COVID-19 cases, which is creating a high level of anxiety throughout Hopi.”

Employees were also informed, via the Memorandum, that the Hopi Tribe’s Finance Department is working to “make sure all employees will be paid during this extension period.” And all employees were reminded to be available during regular work days and to be able to report to work within an hour of being notified.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Requests HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Monday, April 13, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 5:12 p.m. MST today, Hopi Tutuveni requested updates and data from Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman about the Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) “COVID-19” report an email.

The information typically provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, is usually in an updated table format such as the one depicted below:DATE HHCC Number Tested Today Cumulative Number Positive Cumulative Number Negative Total Number in Process TOTAL TESTED

The data is usually summarized for readers and the public. According to Talawyma, in an email reply at 5:48 p.m., “there was a discrepancy in the numbers” reported during a conference call and he would be requesting the information in written format. Talawyma also informed Tutuveni staff that he would share the information as soon as he received it.

The last table of data published by Hopi Tutuveni on April 10, 2020 is as follows:

As of Friday, April 10, 2020 11:08 a.m. MST, HHCC-IHS reported that 2 individuals were tested up to that date and time. The update shows an increase by 1 in number of patients testing positive which was reported as 12 Cumulative Number Positive on April 9, 2020. An increase by 2 of patients testing negative, bringing the Cumulative Number of Negative to 37, since the last report sent by HHCC-IHS on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 11:55 a.m. MST.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Tutuveni staff will continue updating the latest reports to the Hopi Tutuveni website when it is received during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Hopi Tutuveni office remains closed to the public and in accordance with the Tribal Government shutdown requirements through April 17, 2020. Hopi Tutuveni staff can be reached at 928-734-3281 or 928-401-6435 and e-mails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Friday, April 10, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 3:38 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 53 individuals tested, 13 patients have tested positive, 37 patients have tested negative and 3 are pending.

As of today, April 10, 2020 11:08 a.m. MST, HHCC-IHS reported that 2 individuals were tested up to that date and time. The update shows an increase by 1 in number of patients testing positive which was reported as 12 Cumulative Number Positive on April 9, 2020. An increase by 2 of patients testing negative, bringing the Cumulative Number of Negative to 37, since the last report sent by HHCC-IHS on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 11:55 a.m. MST.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Tutuveni staff will continue updating the latest reports to the Hopi Tutuveni website when it is received during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Thursday, April 9, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 11:57 a.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

As of today, April 9, 2020 11:55 a.m. MST, HHCC-IHS reported that 3 individuals were tested up to that date and time. The update shows no increase in number of patients testing positive and an increase of 1 testing negative, bringing the Cumulative Number of Negative to 35, since the last report sent by HHCC-IHS on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 12:47 p.m. MST.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Tutuveni staff will continue updating the latest reports to the Hopi Tutuveni website when it is received during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, April 8 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 2:17 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email. The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 48 individuals tested, 12 patients have tested positive, 34 patients have tested negative and 2 are pending.

As of today, April 8, 2020 12:47 p.m. MST, HHCC-IHS reported that 2 individuals were tested up to that date and time. The update shows an increase of 1 more patients testing positive and since the last report sent by HHCC-IHS on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 11:50 a.m. MST.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Tutuveni staff will continue updating the latest reports to the Hopi Tutuveni website when it is received during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Tuesday, April 7 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

As of 3:42 p.m. MST today, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email. The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below:

The data can be summarized that out of 46 individuals tested, 11 patients have tested positive, 32 patients have tested negative and 3 are pending.

As of Tuesday, April 7, 2020 11:51 a.m. MST, HHCC-IHS did not report any individuals being tested up to that date and time. The update showed no increase in the number of patients testing positive and since the last report sent by HHCC-IHS on Monday, April 6, 2020 at 1:47 p.m. MST.

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Since April 3, 2020, Hopi Tutuveni has now been receiving the information from Talawyma. Up until that date Tutuveni did not receive any updates from HHCC-IHS or others.

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Tutuveni staff will continue updating the latest reports to the Hopi Tutuveni website when it is received during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Although we would like to keep Hopi Tutuveni readers up to date, until we receive word from Hopi Tribe’s Management Information Systems staff about after hours and weekend access., we cannot promise any updates during any other times and until we receive communication about internet and email access.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Receives HHCC-IHS COVID-19 Data Report and Village of Bacavi Updated Executive Order

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Monday, April 6 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public regarding COVID-19 information and data.

Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 2:41 p.m. Hopi Tutuveni received a forwarded email from Alfred Lomahquahu, Village of Bacavi CSA, in which he informed recipients that, “There has been a confirmed case of a Village member who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the Village of Bacavi. The Individual is at Tuba City Regional at this time. The village is taking precautionary measures by closing the Village to all Non-residents. We are also mitigating the supply of food and other essentials for the village…We are also working with the Village of Hotevilla due to the close proximity and services we use. Please pas (sic) this to other entities and Boards.”

In addition to providing the above email message an updated April 3, 2020 Executive order #001-2020 Declaration – Shelter in Place for all residents of Bacavi to limit and control the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus and the April 3, 2020 Village of Bacavi Closed notice was provided and stated in part, “Village of Bacavi Board of Directors has closed the Village due to a village member who has tested positive for the COVID-10 (sic) coronavirus.”

As of 6:08 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2020, Bruce Talawyma, Office of the Hopi Chairman sent information and data from the Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) “COVID-19” report to the Hopi Tutuveni in an email.

The information was provided to Hopi Tutuveni and KUYI Hopi Radio, in an updated table format below and the data can be summarized that out of 41 individuals tested, 10 patients have tested positive, 28 patients have tested negative and 3 are pending.

The update which showed an increase of 3 more patients testing positive at HHCC-IHS came just less than thirty hours after the Thursday, April 2, 2020 10:06 a.m. update:

The Hopi Tribe officials are communicating with HHCC-IHS from a government-to-government position and all information must be verified as officially issued from HHCC-IHS before releasing.

Hopi Tutuveni made contact with the HERT Incident Commander, as of Saturday, April 4, 2020, who verified the information above is confirmed by HHCC-IHS and shareable with the public.

The Tutuveni has not received any of this information prior to an April 3, 2020 email sent by Talawyma that morning at 9:56 a.m. Information sent in the April 3, 2020 email was summarized in a press release issued by the Hopi Vice Chairman’s Office on that date and stated, “…the latest figures released by the Indian Health Services (IHS) show that as of the date of publication, out of a total number of 39 individuals tested, 7 patients have tested positive, 21 patients have tested negative and 11 are pending.”

While the Hopi Tutuveni is publishing this information, we do not have information about names, residences, contacts or any other information that would identify the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Tutuveni staff could not update the latest report to the Hopi Tutuveni website when it was received on April 3, 2020 and due to being blocked out of the Hopi Tribe’s email system.

Access to files from office workstations was also blocked during weekend hours. Tutuveni staff has contacted Hopi Tribe’s Management Information Systems staff since Saturday, April 4, 2020. Requests for any updates and communication about blocks being placed on access to information by essential Tribal employees, needed to fulfill work duties while working remotely and during the Stay-At-Home Order, have gone unanswered as of publication of this article.

Hopi Tutuveni Provides Communications Aide to Hopi EOC

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public.

As of Friday, March 27, 2020 Roger Tungovia transferred command to Edison Tu’tsi, who now serves as Incident Commander. It was also reported by Hopi Tutuveni, that a special insert, dedicated to communication from the Hopi Tribe’s “ Emergency Operation Center (EOC)” would be included in the April 1, 2020 publication. The offer was originally presented to Tungovia on Monday, March 23, 2020.

On Tuesday, March 30, 2020 Hopi Tutuveni received an update from Edison Tu’tsi Incident Commander, EOC, Hopi Emergency Response Team (HERT) regarding communications and public information.

Mr. Tu’tsi clarified that in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements, the terms being used should be corrected; one being the use of Emergency Operations Center rather than “Incident Command Center.” Mr. Tu’tsi reiterated several times that the Incident Commander, as well as the HERT personnel, will be operating out of the Emergency Operations Center.

Examples of FEMA required documents, such as the ‘ICS CHECKLIST’ for the “FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION SECTION,” which describes incident management activities, primary focus, roles, purpose and tasks was shared with Hopi Tutuveni. The examples gave context to what is required of the Emergency Operations Center personnel since the March 17, 2020 Tribal Emergency Declaration was executed.

The current EOC Staff are: Madeline Sahneyah – Operations, Felicia Yaiva -Finance/Administration, Jolette Arrieta – Logistics, and Greg Sehongva – Planning.

Tu’tsi expressed his gratitude for those who have served with HERT’s EOC thus far and those who may be serving. Tu’tsi is a humble man who also expressed that he is not filling the position as the Incident Commander for notoriety but because of his concern for “the people.” Tu’tsi said, “I want to thank everyone for doing their due diligence, for being together for the HERT and to those who have shared good comments…that’s what makes you more ready, when everyone has good comments and uses common sense. If we all keep it simple and use common sense, we’ll all be better off.”

The Emergency Operations Center is now set up and operating out of the Hopi Wellness Center Conference room located at the Hopi Veteran’s Memorial Center site in Kykotsmovi, Ariz. The Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 928-734-3661 or 928-734-3663. Operational hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. After Hours operations are from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday, depending on the situations at the time. Calls being placed during After Hours can be directed to (928) 229-9395.

Mr. Tu’tsi also communicated that the HERT’s EOC will be;

• Utilizing the most up to date Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for addressing COVID-19.

• Supporting the Hopi Health Care Center, also being identified as the Incident Command Center, because that is where the COVID-19 cases/incidents will be addressed and attended to.

• Providing necessary Personal Protective Equipment needs for Incident Command IHS, First Responders responding to the public at this time.

Mr. Tu’tsi was in agreement and support of providing information to the public via centerfold insert in the Hopi Tutuveni April 1, 2020 Publication, as originally offered. With the latest update from Mr. Tu’tsi, the public is being made aware that the Incident Commander’s insert is for public information and for distribution and use by essential Emergency personnel such as; Hopi Law Enforcement and Incident Command personnel. He requested the following be included in the insert:

• Latest update from the Incident Commander

• The latest CDC guidelines

• The latest Hopi Health Care Center – Indian Health Services (HHCC-IHS) press releases

• Various Village Executive Order/Emergency Plans including; First Mesa Consolidated Villages Resolution #1-2020, Shungopavi Traditional Sovereign Government March 24, 2020 Proclamation and Emergency Response Plan, and the March 23, 2020 Joint Statement: Upper Village of Moenkopi and Moencopi Village (Lower) Emergency Public Announcement – Stay at Home (Shelter in Place).

• Any other pertinent information the Incident Commander deems fit for the public’s information and for distribution and uses by essential Emergency personnel such as; Hopi Law Enforcement and Incident Command personnel.

While it is critically important that we do our part to prevent and control the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 virus, the April 1, 2020 publication will be distributed only to local stores, post offices and areas accessible by the public for food and other essentials during the Stay-at-Home Order for all residents of the Hopi Reservation.

UPDATE – Hopi Tutuveni Operations and Publications

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – The Hopi Tutuveni continues to operate as an essential program of the Hopi Tribe as it provides written and online information, education and a community service to the Hopi villages, communities and public.

A special insert, dedicated to communication from the Hopi Tribe’s Incident Command Center, will be included in the April 1, 2020 publication for the public’s information and for distribution and use by essential Emergency personnel such as; Hopi Law Enforcement and Incident Command personnel.

Hopi Tutuveni office is closed to the public and in accordance with the Tribal Government shutdown requirements through April 17, 2020, however, staff can be reached at 928-734-3281 and e-mails can be sent to rlaban@hopi.nsn.us from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Confirmation Document of COVID-19 Case Tested at Hopi Health Care Center – March 25, 2020

By Hopi Health Care Center

Polacca, Ariz. – Wednesday, March 25, 2020 4:39 p.m.

Hopi Tribal Council Holds Open Session via KUYI Hopi Radio Broadcasting

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Hopi Tribal Council held an open session, following Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines of having only ten individuals within 6 feet of each other at one gathering. In addition, to ensure the public was allowed to listen in, the session was broadcast live on KUYI Hopi Radio at 88.1FM, 89.1FM in the Moencopi Villages area and at kuyi.net live streaming.

Hopi Tribal Council began the session, with Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Chairman calling the meeting to order at 10:09 a.m. MST which led to having Dwayne Secakuku, Interim Tribal Secretary/Village of Bakabi completing Roll Call. Upon completing the Roll it was determined that quorum had been reached.

Chairman Nuvangyaoma described the various items listed on the Agenda, those being; Update from Incident Commander, noting the Hopi community is tuning in via KUYI, discussion on General Counsel Action Items and the need to finish action on the two items, an Action Item on Head Start, and an Action Item addressing funding for the Village of Orayvi to name a few.

Roger Tungovia, Incident Commander, hired on an Emergency Basis and via the Hopi Tribal Executive Order #01-2020 which established the Hopi Emergency Response Team, then provided an verbal update to Tribal Council members counted as being present during the session.

Tungovia described his morning as, “hit the ground running as early as 7:30 a.m.” by answering numerous phone calls which were coming into the Incident Command Center. He informed Tribal Council that he received requests for masks for Resource Enforcement officers and that two had been distributed from the current available supplies. He also mentioned the topic of “FEMA funding” and that the HERT would be going for direct funding, rather than going through the state. He also mentioned the team is looking at what supplies are currently in stock.

Tungovia continued by mentioning that an Operations Chief has been assigned. Staging areas are being considered with one being located in Keams Canyon, Ariz. in addition to having access to the Hopi Veteran’s Memorial Center. All possible staging areas will need to be assessed with the information documented and determinations made if “usable” by the general public. He also mentioned having a meeting with the Nutrition Center which has food available and that the center need help determining how to distribute to the “people.”

Tribal Council representatives had questions for Tungovia regarding; setting up two-way radios acquired by First Mesa purposes to utilize during the emergency situation, questions about the water pump situation at the village of Shungopavi and addressing consumption questions, that cooperation and any type of communications and updates need to go through the villages, information coming from IHS and the testing occurring there needing to be more “aggressive” for the concern for police, ambulance and healthcare workers, and water issues at Mishongnovi windmill.

Hopi Nation Halts All Tourism

Just Issued – Hopi Tribal Executive Order#002-2020 Declaration: Stay-at-Home Order for all Residents of the Hopi Reservation

Office of the Chairman: 928-734-3102

Office of the Vice Chairman: 928-734-3113

Hopi Tribal Government Shutdown Effective March 20, 2020

By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Friday, March 20, 2020 at approximately 4:21 p.m. Philline Talayumptewa, staff member from the Office of the Executive Director sent out an email with a Memorandum attached with subject line, “TRIBAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN” which was to remain in effect until April 17, 2020.

In addition to including files containing the two-page March 20, 2020 Memorandum, signed by Edgar Shupla, Acting Executive Director on behalf of Dorma L. Sahneyah, Executive Director, another file containing a two-page document titled, “Essential Tribal Programs to Remain On-Site”

The memorandum which addresses how Tribal employees are to “work at home or telework” and methods to “track/log” work was described. And, “Rest assured that everyone will continue to get paid.”

In addition, a message that “It is critically important that we do our part to prevent and control the spread of this highly infectious disease by strictly adhering to this directive.” was also included. The memorandum also went into describing that “There is an increased number of cases reported on Navajo, so please stay home as much as possible!” Phone numbers were included in the memorandum and directing any questions to the Office of the Chairman at (928) 734-3102, the Office of the Vice Chairman at (928) 734-3113 or the Executive Director at (480) 408-4114.

The Hopi Tutuveni landing page located on the Hopi Tribe website at https://hopistage.wpengine.com/news/hopi-tutuveni/ is being updated as official notifications from the Tribal Government are being received. Due to the increased amount of information being shared and because the Hopi Tutuveni is considered the official newspaper for the public’s information, updates from Hopi Chairman and Vice Chairman’s Offices regarding measures being taken to address Covid-19 on the Hopi reservation will be posted.