Crossing Worlds Hopi Projects

Support for Hopi Young Adult Education and Sustainability of Hopi Lands

Support for Hopi Young Adult Education and Sustainability of Hopi Lands

Support for Hopi college students and on-the-job training in land conservation are high priorities for our Crossing Worlds Hopi Projects.

We are pleased to make donations in support of these groups since 2018. We feel this is a great investment toward Hopi empowerment plus land conservation and employment.  


Ancestral Lands Hopi Program Support.

This program provides opportunities to engage local tribal youth and young adults in conservation projects aimed at restoring and stewarding tribal natural resources. Project work includes employment and training for Hopi crews with such projects as geographic information system (GIS) mapping, agricultural work, stream restoration, fencing, trail building, and more.

Many of these work crews camp in remote wilderness areas and gain training in technical work skills, as well as valuable professional development in leadership, work ethics, communication, and teamwork.

In the words of 2 field crew supervisors during 2019:

Hali-Lauren Lomayesva photo at an ancestor site during her field supervisor work with Ancestral Lands HopiHali-Lauren Lomayesva, Leads Alumni Field Crew out of the Hopi office:  “I gained a lot of experience within the time I’ve started, but What I love most about my job is that we have one of the greatest opportunities to help our land. It’s definitely a great feeling to not only get to see places not many people have the chance to, but to know these places in a different way and see them from a different perspective.
Most of all I couldn’t have done it alone. With a lot of support from my family, son’s father and the program, I’ve learned anything is possible if you keep pushing yourself in the right direction.”

Noelle Kooyahoema sitting in a kayak depicts her as an Ancestral Lands Hopi field supervisorNoelle Kooyahoema, Ancestor Lands Hopi Field Supervisor,
“I handle all logistics like; vehicles, tools, paperwork, site visits, in field support, but one of the best things I like about my job is being able to meet and teach youth in my own community to empower themselves with whatever the project might be, from Trail Work to Invasive Spices Removal.
It all plays an important role on how we as young people treat, love, and live not only on the land but with others in our community. I am super humbled by this opportunity to give back to you all. So I encourage everyone to take a risk and try it for yourself, the benefits are endless!”


The Hopi Ancestral Lands Coordinator, Marshall Masayesva, also founded Adventures for Hopi.  This is a developmental outdoor education training program that is now part of Ancestral Lands Hopi.  Participants learn how to live and travel in the backcountry as they go on inspiring adventures in self-reliance, conservation, and teamwork.

August 5, 2018 upbeat Facebook post from coordinator: “Ancestral Lands Hopi #633 NCC Crew is beginning to wrap up the season! It’s been another great summer teaming up with AL to offer a pretty sweet experience visiting national parks! Its been a once in a lifetime opportunity to get paid to visit National Parks and learn about what career options are available to you! We had a ton of firsts! First time kayaking, backpacking, camping, and first time job exposure to conservation work! Good job NCC y’all killed it and it’s been a pleasure working with you!”


Hopi Education Endowment Fund

We donated $1,000 to the Hopi Education Endowment Fund which is endowed permanently by Hopi Tribe seed money. Hopi staff funds on average over 120+ eligible students per semester (fall/spring) and close to 30 in the summer. “The end product of their program is a college degree that builds the manpower necessary to carry the tribe forward into the future.”  They also fund special classes at Hopi such as youth summer school.

2019 Scholarship Recipient Orientation Day at Hopi Education Endowment Fund

2019 Scholarship Recipient Orientation Day at Hopi Education Endowment Fund

2017 Hopi Scholarship Recipients group photo by Hopi Education Endowment Fund

2017 Hopi Scholarship Recipients group photo by Hopi Education Endowment Fund