This book is absolutely wonderful if you have an interest in Native American history and culture. Frank Waters’ “Book of the Hopi” gathers material from interviews with 30 elders from the remote Hopi reservation, describing their spiritual heritage in rewarding detail and sharing some of the secrets of their annual cycle of rituals and ceremonies. From the thrilling stories of the Hopi’s early migrations across the continent, to the explanations of powerful Hopi symbols, to insights into Hopi religion and mythology, this is just a fascinating read.

The Hopi are one of the few tribes who have never been resettled (although they certainly suffered at the hands of European settlers). For this reason, their ancient “pueblos”, located atop three connected mesas in central Arizona’s starkly beautiful high desert, are considered to be the longest continuously inhabited settlements in North America. Exploring Old Oraibi, on Third Mesa (established in 1100 A.D.), you literally feel as if you are walking back into history. Deer Hill groups have been working on community service projects with Hopi people for many years. Over this time we have been fortunate to partake in many living traditions: harvesting corn with elderly farmers, working in the ornamental gardens that surround the community springs, making “piki” bread from cornmeal, building bread ovens, carving kachina dolls, and whitewashing village plazas in preparation for ceremonies. Many groups have been able to help prepare for and witness ceremonies such as the annual Homedances, ancestor celebrations held by each village to honor the “Kachina” spirits and bring rain to their cornfields.

For more information on Deer Hill adventure summer camps that spend time with the Hopi, check out Southwest Journey and Wilderness Leadership.