Sedona, AZ: "Suvoyuki" translated in the Hopi language means to accomplish work through at "joint effort." "Suvoyuki Day" is an open house day at Homolovi Ruins State Park that celebrates the partners who have helped to protect and save Homolovi area archaeological and cultural sites from destruction.
The event begins on Friday, July 11, at 7 p.m., with a talk about the Hopi culture. On Saturday, July 12, the day begins at 6 a.m., with a traditional Hopi morning run (4 and 6.5 miles) with all participants invited. Following the run, the Hopi corn roasting pit will be opened and all will get a taste of freshly roasted sweet corn. Throughout the day, there will be Hopi artist demonstrations, traditional food demonstrations and lectures. Archaeologists will also be there to interpret the sites. Parking will be available on the northeast corner of Interstate 40 and State Route 87. Shuttle service will then be available from there to the park.
Pre-registration is available now at www.homolovi.com. There is a $10 registration fee that can be paid on the day of the run. You may also register the day of the run but must be there no later than 5 a.m. The run will begin promptly at 6 a.m., and will be on a cross-country trail course through the park. There will be t-shirts, refreshments and a prize drawing for run and walk participants. Begin the day with a Hopi prayer for life and strength on this run and walk.
On Sunday, July 13, visitors can travel north on Highway 87 to Sipaulovi Village, paralleling an ancient Hopi migration route to the community center at Second Mesa. Sunday's events at Sipaulovi feature tours of the village, speakers, vendors of traditional foods, artists and other special activities including a Fun Run at 6 a.m.
Homolovi Ruins, one of a series of many ancient Hopi pueblos found in the Southwest, offers the public the opportunity to begin their journey into Hopi life and culture. Like the modern visitor making their way to Hopi, the Homolovi ancestral villages were a stop for the ancestral Hopi people along their migration route, eventually moving on and settling at one of the current Hopi villages. We can share their experience by viewing the village ruins that remain as cultural remnants of Hopi prehistory.
Hopi Tribal leaders and Arizona State Parks staff have been collaborating for five years to create a new model for park management and tourism to traditional Hopi lands, which will preserve and protect the sacred culture, while offering special cultural tour opportunities for the public.
For more information about Suvoyuki Day call Homolovi Ruins State Park at (928) 289-4106 or visit www.homolovi.com.
Homolovi Ruins State Park is located five miles northeast of the city of Winslow, Navajo County, in northeastern Arizona. The park campground is convenient to Interstate 40 and accommodates large rigs, as well as tent camping.
For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (long distance 800-285-3703) or see the website at www.azstateparks.com.
Article courtesy of Ellen Bilbrey.
Posted June 10, 2008.
Visitor Comment, July 3, 2008:
Visited last year. It's a must and a new family tradition to go and see the wonderful Hopi people and a very awe inspiring state park with knowledgeable rangers and the best bathrooms on RT 66. — Ken
