Those who join this experience will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the rich past and thriving cultures of the Hopi, Navajo and Zuni people, who live in the canyons and on the mesas of the Southwest. These groups have lived in the same communities, with many of the same practices, for more than a thousand years.
By visiting families and villages, we will learn how they use their environments and how they adapted to the arrival of Europeans and the impact of the industrial, technological age. Not only will we learn what spiritual and cultural practices have been preserved, we will see how conflict and discrimination shaped their present lives, and the challenges they face in preserving their languages, cultures and traditions. We will do service projects at the Hopi Mission School, a Navajo horse ranch and a Hopi dry-farm.
Former student participants noted with awe that the Grand Canyon is truly a world heritage site. Considered the birthplace of the Navajo, we will hike into the canyon that attracts travelers from around the world. For four days, we will hike and camp in Canyon de Chelly, exploring the Anasazi petro glyphs, cliff dwellings and historical sites with famous Navajo guides.
Dates and costs are estimates
May 9-30, 2012
Program fee: $1,700
16 students
Leaders: To be determined
