Respect for Hopi Knowledge

Most European or Western societies are based in a tradition of scientific inquiry, the "right" to ask questions and investigate the unknown. In the United States, citizens are proud of First Amendment rights of speech, press, assembly, and religion that protect the freedom to conduct personal discussions and inquiries. Within certain defined standards of decency, everyone is encouraged to express individuality and conduct inquiries as long as actions do not intrude on other people's privacy. Within this tradition is an assumed "right to know".

Hopi tradition does not share the worldview of the dominant society. Certain activities are considered the private domain of specific clans, societies, or individuals. Therefore, Hopi individuals typically will not inquire about specific sacred matters concerning certain ceremonies and practices from other tribal members. This helps guard the integrity of specific cultural knowledge for those members who are priviledged to that knowledge. Asking questions about such things is not a common practice nor welcomed behavior by non-Hopi visitors. In a Hopi context, the right to remain silent is not a legal protection against self-incrimination. It is a reflection of the desire to maintain a private life, keeping certain information close to one's heart in a sacred condition. One expression of Hopi privacy concerns is a prohibition on all photography, sketching, and video or sound recordings. Please respect these rights when you are dealing with the Hopi people.

The Hopi people feel a unique responsibility for the welfare of our planet and all of humanity. Protection of Hopi wisdom over the centuries has helped it to survive as a wellspring of social and spiritual nourishment for our own future generations and the world at large.

We hope that those who visit the Hopi villages after viewing this website will respect Hopi wisdom and observe the above requests for appropriate behavior. As you walk through Hopi villages, please remember how you would expect visitors in your own community to behave.

Thank you for your interest and cooperation
and
have a pleasant visit at Hopi.

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