My Impressions of the Roots Conference at Flagstaff
The Roots Conference at Flagstaff was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed meeting all those wonderful people who came from different parts of the land. I really liked the Hopi migration story. Even though it was hard to believe, it was very fascinating and powerful! Even to this day I still think about their migration. Talking to Imo and his brother about their way of Planting was just as fascination and very educational. The visit to Hopi was the best part for me as my people, Tohono O’odham, used to do flash flood farming. I finally learned that there was a group of Tewa people living on Hopi land. Imo and his family showed us their determination to work and survive and also their knowledge of traditional planting!
My visit to Hopi rekindled the fire to keep on struggling and educating my people about working hard and eating off the land to combat diabetes. To know our ancient ways of doing things and knowing the ancient values still have a place in our modern day society. The weather at Flagstaff was wonderful. The NAU campus was relaxing and the Indian studies program was the best. I really did not want of leave but I had to say “Good-bye”.
Danny Lopez
Tohono O'odham Community College
Sells, Arizona
