Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, pio at azstateparks.gov or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997
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Homol'ovi Ruins State Park Hosts Hopi
Speakers and Workshops in April and May

(Phoenix, Arizona - April 13, 2007) - In partnership with Hopi Tribal leaders, Homol'ovi Ruins State Park will host speakers and workshops in April.

On Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., meet at the Homol'ovi Ruins State Park Visitor Center for Hopi Early Crop Planting Cultural Workshop by Leigh Kuwanwisiwma. April is the season in which several crops are beginning to be planted in the Hopi world. Join various Hopi gardeners as they explain what these early crops are, their methods in preparing fields or gardening plots and planting methods. You will then get your hands dirty as you help to plant the Homol'ovi terrace garden. Wear comfortable shoes and work clothes.

On Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m., the Homol'ovi Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society and Speaker Series presentation presents Homol'ovi Cultural Horizon by Leigh Kuwanwisiwma. A presentation of the connection of Homol'ovi to the rest of the Hopi cultural sites found throughout the Southwest developed by the Hisatsinom people of long ago.

Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., meet at Homol'ovi Ruins State Park Visitor Center for Hopi Corn: Gender Roles, Production and Maintenance Cultural Workshop by Leigh Kuwanwisiwma and Maxine Wadsworth. Corn is not only a staple of agricultural production for the Hopi, but is considered the spiritual mother and food of the Hopi. You will learn not only the pragmatic elements of the Hopi dry farming method, but how the corn field is cared for, then harvested, stored, cooked, preserved and used. Furthermore how the Hopi culture prescribe these tasks by gender.

For more information about the workshops and speakers in April and May call Homol'ovi Ruins State Park at (928) 289-4106. Homolovi Ruins State Park is located in Winslow, Arizona. From Flagstaff, take I-40 east to Highway 87 North. Use Exit 257. Park Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle for up to four persons. Each additional adult is charged $1.

Hopi Tribal leaders and Arizona State Parks staff have been collaborating for three years to create a new model for park management and tourism to traditional Hopi lands. This effort will preserve and protect the sacred culture, while offering special cultural tour opportunities for the public.

Homol'ovi 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, Homol'ovi Ruins was a stop for the ancestral Hopi people along their migration route, eventually moving on and settling at one of the current Hopi villages.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com

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