I wanted to drop a notice about an extended Southwest trip that I am co-leading this October 12-22, 2026, with my good friend, fellow river guide and renowned Geologist, Christa Sadler. She and I have worked together guiding on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, and she has taught me much about rocks, rapids …
Continue reading “In the Land of Light and Stone” – Southwest Travel Adventure Opportunity
Cover of "Rock Art: An American Story" The following short essay is one I recently contributed to the coffee table book, "Rock Art: An American Story", which features a selection of awe-inspiring images from photojournalist Stephen Alvarez, along with a number of essays from Indigenous authors and advocates. The photos and words do much to …
Continue reading “Ang Kuk’tota: Along There, Leave Footprints”
We have added a "multi-media" page to the Paaqavi INC website where we will highlight projects that we have supported in the past, or are currently involved in. Click the "Historic Preservation Training" photo below to access the multi-media page and view our first video! Also, Many Thanks to our Videographer and Editor, Autry Lomahongva …
Continue reading Paaqavi Incorporated Adds “Multi-Media” page
A recent development in my own work is that I have accepted (somewhat reluctantly) the position of Board President for the Hopi non-profit, Paaqavi Incorporated. It's an entirely new role for me, but I am excited to pursue a different direction with this organization, and I hope to further facilitate many of the endeavors I …
Continue reading Paaqavi INC is participating in Arizona Gives Day: April 7, 2026
I was asked to contribute an essay for the latest issue of Archaeology Southwest Magazine, titled, "More than a Pet: Exploring the Canine Cultural Histories in North America". I had a bit of fun with this one, and as always, I appreciate the opportunity to support Archaeology Southwest, the non-profit organization which publishes the magazine. …
Continue reading Pumuy Pokot’hoyam ep Hopi’tutskwa: The Dogs of Hopi-land
Did I really say that?!? 😁 Why, yes indeed I did!Back in 2020 (geez...) I was asked by the good people at Archaeology Southwest (Tucson, AZ) if I was interested in writing an introductory essay for the Archaeology Southwest Magazine. I've written a few essays for this publication (and a new one forthcoming!), so I …
By Lyle Balenquah Third Mesa Tep'wungwa (Greasewood) Clan, Village of Paaqavi, Arizona. The following chapter appears in the volume, "Working as Indigenous Archaeologists: Reckoning New Paths Between Past and Present Lives". Edited by George Nicholas and Joe Watkins. (Routledge, 2024). “I know my story. But the only real, tangible evidence of the clans being here …
Continue reading Seeking My Center Place: Migrations through Science and Tradition
Our first Director and leader of the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office (HCPO), Leigh J. Kuwanwisiwma, made his final journey from this earthly world on February 17th, 2025. While it is not considered a Hopi practice to be “memorialized”, it is with respect and humility that we offer this remembrance of his life. Leigh was born …
Continue reading In Honor Of Leigh J. Kuwanwisiwma (1950-2025).
"It was just a colour out of space—a messenger from unformed realms of infinity beyond all Nature as we know it; from realms whose mere existence stuns the brain and numbs us with the black extra-cosmic gulfs it throws open before our frenzied eyes." ~H.P. Lovecraft ++++ This is the view looking southwest from the …
In 2022, I and another Hopi Archaeologist, April Sewaquaptewa, were asked to contribute an essay for the 400+ page book titled, "Native American Art from the Thomas W. Weisel Family Collection". In addition to many beautiful color plate photos of the fine art, the book contains essays and writings from museum curators and conservators, as …
Continue reading Pueblo Pottery: A Thousand years of Ancestral Designs and Continuing Traditions
This is a short essay I wrote for Plateau Magazine (Museum of Northern Arizona) about Hopi connections to the Glen Canyon region. This issue compliments a small exhibit currently on display at MNA titled, "Archaeologists in Glen Canyon". The exhibit will run through the summer of 2023. The essay, with voice-over, is also on display …
My latest article about the conservation work we completed in the Bears Ears area is now available via the link below. The piece is featured in the Spring/Summer 2022 edition of the Grand Canyon Trust's publication, "Advocate Magazine". Please consider supporting the Grand Canyon Trust in their efforts to elevate and amplify Indigenous voices on …
Continue reading Beyond Stone & Mortar: Preserving Indigenous Presence within Ancestral Landscapes
A great article, "Full Circle", authored by Karuna Eberl recently appeared that highlights the conservation work we have been doing within Bears Ears National Monument. The article is featured in the Spring 2022 edition of National Parks, the quarterly magazine of the National Parks Conservation Association. You can find the article HERE There is also …
"No matter its color—clear, red, or blue—the Little Colorado River gives life to the lands, communities, and cultures through which it flows." Follow the link below to hear and read various Indigenous perspectives about Paayu, the Little Colorado River, and why it deserves continued protection and preservation as a Cultural Landscape and unique, desert ecosystem. …
Continue reading Lifeways of the Little Colorado River – Grand Canyon Trust
I recently had the opportunity to speak with the "Science Moab Podcast" about my views on Indigenous Archaeology as well as on-going conservation work in Southeastern Utah. This interview was included as a part of the Moab Festival of Science. You can hear the interview here-->https://sciencemoab.org/perspectives-from-a-hopi-archaeologist/ The interview was followed by a live-stream Q & …
Continue reading “Speak Softly, Tread Lightly & Show Much Respect….”
The much anticipated collaborative work about Hopi Archaeology and History is now available. If you or anyone else would like to buy a copy, please use the following link: https://uapress.arizona.edu/2021/06/naisa-2021-learn-about-our-recent-indigenous-studies-titles
Be sure to check out this short, but great video overflight of 3 dam systems that are being proposed to be built within the Little Colorado River Gorge. These dams would significantly impact unique cultural landscapes that are important for several Indigenous tribes, as well as impact critical, natural habitat for the endangered Humpback Chub. …
Continue reading Help protect the Little Colorado River Gorge from development!
I am happy to share my latest writing about Bears Ears, Indigenous Archaeology and what we hope to see develop for this culturally important landscape. This piece is featured in the most recent edition of the Grand Canyon Trust's publication, "Advocate Magazine". Please consider joining the Trust as a member and supporting their efforts to …
An earlier version of this writing appeared in Archaeology Southwest Magazine, Volume 33, Nos. 1 & 2. Like many landscapes throughout the American Southwest, Hopi people maintain a cultural connection with the region now designated as part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM). From a Hopi perspective, we believe that it is our ancestors who, …
Continue reading Ancestral Hopi Presence in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
With the historic visit by Indigenous Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to southeast Utah this week, I think it's worth re-posting a previous blog writing from 4 years ago describing, in part, some of the Hopi questions and answers we find in the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante landscapes. While the increased attention of …
Continue reading Hisat’sinom to Hopi: Establishing Cultural Affiliation in the Bears Ears Landscape
Here are a couple of links to recent articles from High Country News and CNN about the current and future work in the Bears Ears issue. With the change in administration and nomination of Representative (NM) Deb Haaland to serve as Secretary of the Interior, there is renewed hope to reverse the harmful impacts implemented …
The turquoise waters of the Little Colorado River just above the Confluence. The Grand Canyon landscape contains some of the Southwests most unique ecosystems of rivers, springs and riparian zones. These areas are home to many plant and animal species, some found nowhere else in the world, or that represent the last viable populations holding …
With the historic visit by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to southeast Utah this week, I think it's worth re-posting a previous blog writing from 4 years ago describing, in part, some of the Hopi questions and answers we find in the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante landscapes. While the increased attention of the …
Continue reading Hisat’sinom to Hopi: Establishing Cultural Affiliation in the Bears Ears Landscape
An interview from 2014 with Jack Loeffler (Santa Fe, NM) talking about Hopi connections to Landscapes, Culture & Sustainability. Originally appeared in Green Fire Times, 2014 (Santa Fe, NM). JL: How do you perceive culture relative to homeland? LB: Culture relative to homeland is a big idea. Homeland is something that is always in the back of …
1200 A.D. Dawn breaks over a secluded canyon, spreading a sliver of orange light along the rim as a lone canyon wren welcomes the morning, singing another day into existence. As the light increases in intensity, it illuminates a sheer cliff face, revealing layers of geologic time; ancient cross-bedded sand dunes and million-year old ocean …
Continue reading Spirit of Place: Preserving the Cultural Landscape of the Bears Ears
PAA'TUUWI 