Hopi Resistance, Hotevilla, and the Survival of All: The Right to Be Left Alone is the Beginning of Freedom

Abstract

This paper examines the history of the Village of Hotevilla and the nature of Hopi resistance. Hotevilla split from Oraibi in 1906--the nature of conflict management and social organziation is discussed. Resistance to the dominant culture extends well back from the common idea that the 1960s Red Power movement advanced American Indian causes. Hotevilla had distinguished itself by resisting many modern conveniences that the government and others want to force on them. Comparison of Yoder v. Wisconsin with the forced boarding school experience of American Indians is examined. The liberal philosophy that would mandate forced English learning and schooling is questioned in light of the practices, history, and culture of the Hotevilla Hopi. Discussion of Hopi prophecy. Division of progressive and traditional is questioned. Effects of wage economy. The right to be left alone is asserted for a people that have never treatied with the United States.