Sacred Peaks, an educational tour offered by MNA Ventures.

Sacred Peaks

Leaders: Shonto Begay, Ramson Lomatewwama, Dan Simplicio
Dates: Sep 24–26, 2010
Cost: $350 Members / $400 Nonmembers
Difficulty: Easy

Cost includes transportation, lunch and permits.

The San Francisco Peaks, rising above the Colorado Plateau to over 12,000 feet, are an integral part of the cultural and spiritual landscape of many tribes. These mountains are sacred to thirteen tribes, including the Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, Havasupai, Hualapai, Yavapai, Southern Paiute, and five Apache tribes.

Nuvatukya'ovi, or Place of the High Snow, are home to the Hopi katsina spirits who bring good harvests and rains during the growing season. To the Navajo people, Talking God, White Corn Boy, and Yellow Corn Girl live in the Doko’oo’sliid, or Shining on Top. The A:shiwi, or Zuni people, refer to the Peaks as Sunha K'hbchu Yalanne.

Learn through the voices of Hopi artist and poet Ramson Lomatewama, Navajo artist and author Shonto Begay, and Zuni cultural educator Dan Simplicio about the role these mountains have had in shaping the culture and identity of the people of the Plateau.

This weekend trip will include day hikes and discussions throughout the Peaks during the fall foliage. Participants will be responsible for their own lodging, breakfast, and dinner. Lunch is included.

Banner photo by Ernie DeVries.

Pre-Trip Information Packet (PDF Downloads)

» Medical/Waiver [33 KB]

A professional artist since 1983, Shonto Begay spends his time painting and speaking to audiences of all ages. His art has been shown in more than 50 shows in galleries and museums including The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, the American Indian Contemporary Arts 's museum in San Francisco and Phoenix Art Museum. Read more…

Dan Simplicio is a Zuni artist and educator who frequently conducts seminars as part of MNA's Heritage Program.

Ramson Lomatewama is a Hopi Katsina doll carver and poet who has worked at the Museum for many years as a demonstrator and educator. His more recent artistic interests have led him to glass blowing.

“The program is so worthwhile. One gets back to nature, gets history on where we go, we get great stories and more. I always recommend MNA Ventures, for the place you go and the learning one gets on the trips.” —J.K.