Preserving Culture and Identity: 2024 Hopi Language Symposium Set to Unite and Educate

February 17, 2024

As the vibrant heartbeat of the Hopi Nation continues to resonate through generations, there emerges a clarion call for the preservation and revitalization of our ancient language, a cornerstone of our cultural identity. In response to this imperative, the eagerly anticipated 2024 Hopi Language Symposium is slated to convene from February 20-22, 2024, heralding a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to safeguard our linguistic heritage.

Hosted within the sacred lands of the Hopi Nation, this symposium promises to be a transformative gathering, bringing together scholars, educators, language advocates, community leaders, and Hopi Sinom alike. With a fervent dedication to the preservation of our language as a living embodiment of our traditions, the symposium aims to foster a collaborative dialogue aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Hopi language revitalization efforts.

At the heart of the symposium’s agenda lies a multifaceted approach to language preservation, encompassing a rich tapestry of workshops, panel discussions, cultural presentations, and interactive sessions. Through these diverse platforms, participants will delve into the nuanced intricacies of the Hopi language, exploring its grammatical structures, phonetics, semantics, and historical evolution with scholarly rigor and cultural reverence.

Moreover, the symposium will serve as a catalyst for innovative strategies and best practices in language revitalization, empowering attendees to harness modern tools and technologies while remaining anchored in our ancestral wisdom. From immersive language immersion programs to digital repositories of Hopi linguistic resources, the symposium will showcase a myriad of initiatives designed to ignite a renaissance of language learning and usage within our communities.

Central to the symposium’s mission is the recognition of the interconnectedness between language, culture, and identity. As such, attendees will be invited to engage in dialogue surrounding the broader societal implications of language loss, emphasizing the profound impact on cultural continuity, intergenerational transmission, and collective memory within the Hopi Nation.

In addition to its academic and educational dimensions, the symposium will also serve as a celebration of Hopi language and culture, featuring vibrant performances of traditional songs, dances, storytelling, and visual arts. Through these expressions of cultural vitality, participants will be reminded of the enduring resilience and beauty inherent in our linguistic traditions, serving as a source of inspiration for future generations.

As we gather on the sacred grounds of our ancestors, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the precious legacy of the Hopi language. With unity of purpose and unwavering determination, let us honor our past, embrace our present, and chart a course towards a future where the Hopi language thrives as a beacon of cultural pride and resilience.

Program and Keynote Speaker

  • Tuesday – February 20, 2024
    • Dr. Sheila Nicolas
  • Wednesday – February 21, 2024
    • Michael Garcia
    • Dr. Jeremy Garcia
    • Sheila Nicolas
    • Kelly Nasingoetewa
    • Marilyn Parra
    • Ada Joseph
    • Jolene Lomayaktewa
    • Shereen Susunkewa
    • Anita Poleahla
    • Dr. Jarold Joseph
    • Todd and Millie Talashoma
  • Thursday – February 22, 2024
    • Ramalda Crooke
    • Dr. Sheila Nolas
    • Povi Mitchell
    • Trisha Moquino
    • Valarie Harris
    • Dr. Robert Rhodes

Sponsor: Hopitutuqaiki