KYKOTSMOVI,
Ariz. - On Sept. 15, the Hopi Foundation began a second year of
its Hopi Leadership Program (HLP) with an induction ceremony and
banquet to welcome 14 new inductees. The ceremony and banquet was
held in the Hotevilla Elderly/Youth Center. Purple and gold colored
shears draped the windows and were outlined with strands of tiny
lights. Handmade candle holders made from paper bags with cut out
Hopi designs illuminated the banquet tables. The atmosphere was
further enhanced by the soft guitar music performed by Blair Quamahongnewa.
The
planning and the decorations were executed by a core group of leadership
alumni and volunteers headed by Romalita Laban, with the help of
Brenda Patterson, Lori Martin and Vaughn Sieweumptewa. Decorations
were provided by Lisa Youvella and the support of the Hopi Foundation
staff.
Board
of Trustees Chair Marlene Sekaquaptewa offered the invocation and
Executive Director Barbara Poley welcomed the leadership inductees
and guests followed by the introduction of the 2008-2009 program
participants. After the introductions, each member was presented
with a wax candle in the shape of multicolored ears of corn by the
leadership alumni members and staff. The passing of the candles
signified the passing of the torch to a new class of emerging leaders
that will be participating in leadership training for the next 15
months.
A
traditional Hopi meal was prepared by Kykotsmovi caterer Betty Outah,
and served by volunteers of the Hopi Jr. /Sr. High School Culinary
Class guided by their teacher Emma Lomakema.
Presentations
were made by Patricia Sekaquaptewa, Executive Director of the Nakwatsvewat
Institute and DeAlva Honahnie.
Through
a written communiqué read by Laban, Sekaquaptewa said, "We recognize
that we cannot make the next Hopi person engage in development of
reform efforts - individuals have to come to realizations on their
own. However, we can engage in active outreach [that is] relevant
to current Hopi and village problems, we can engage in transparent
and democratic process in running our own organization ... and we
can cultivate a professional culture with high expectations and
vision."
Her
message was specifically for the new inductees/emerging leaders
to ponder as they begin this leadership journey.
Honahnie,
CEO of the Hopi Health Care Center asked the audience an important
question: "Where do we want to go as Hopis?"
Honahnie
said she feels it is important to identify what kind of leader you
are. There are many leadership styles and you may have to try on
a few until you find what works for you.
In
addition it is important to look at the difference between leadership
and management. There is a big difference. Decide whether to manage
or be a leader, for the biggest part of leadership is the human
capital.
The
program also included an interactive portion facilitated by Donna
Humetewa, Nakwatsvewat Institute Program Manager.
The
evening concluded with advice on "What to Expect/Not to Expect"
from Alumnus Vaughn Sieweumptewa. He stated that the three characteristics
of leadership that were the most important to him were honor, courage
to do the right thing, and commitment.
To
end the event Poley expressed her appreciation and gratitude for
all the community support of the Hopi Leadership Program. According
to Poley, the program would not be what it is without Hopi community
interest, input and donations.
The
Hopi Foundation Leadership Program, which provides training in core
management disciplines and Hopi cultural literacy is made possible
through generous support from the Tides Foundation and the Marguerite
Casey Foundation.
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