"Working towards preserving and strengthening the healthy food system and agricultural traditions of the
Hopi & Tewa people"
The Natwani Coalition
Forming in January of 2004 as a project under The Hopi Foundation, the
Natwani Coalition (Natwanit Tusawyungqam) located in Northern Arizona represents an affiliation of Hopi organizations and individuals dedicated to preserving Hopi farming traditions, strengthening the local Hopi food system and developing innovative sustainable strategies to promote wellness.
A Non-Profit Organization, the Natwani Coalition ensures our initiatives work to expand community understanding and respect for the emergence, preservation and renewal of life within the continuity of farming.
The overall health and well-being of the Hopi people cannot be addressed without an improvement in diet and restoration of our local food system. The Natwani Coalition has leveraged varying levels of engagement from community volunteers, collaborators and institutions within our community and off the reservation. Our strategy is to launch mutually reinforcing projects that over time will collectively restore our local food system.
Our Belief
We do this through hosting and facilitating community discussions, sustaining a food and agriculture endowment that will support grants to the community for local food and farming initiatives, and serving as a community liaison to leverage and expand educational programming and initiatives toward healthy food access, seed protection, and the overall sovereignty of the Hopi people.
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How We Do Our Work
Our Team
Kyle Nutumya
Natwani Coalition
Program Manager
Tuwawungwa
(Sand Clan)
Hotevilla Village
Kyle (Kuwanhongva) is a member of the Sand Clan from the Village of Hotevilla. After graduating from Tuba City High School in 2013, he became a student at Coconino Community College to study Sustainable Green Building. Prior to becoming a member of The Hopi Foundation, Kyle served as an intern, later earning the position as a Building Apprentice, at the Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture Institute (HTPI). During his time with HTPI, Kyle assisted with the supervision and completion of three Passive Solar Homes for local community families in addition to actively engaging with local community members. Kyle looks to fulfill his passion and dream of enhancing and sustaining Hopi life by working under the Natwani Coalition. Kyle enjoys working outdoors, practicing traditional natural stone masonry, and cross country running.
Roberta Sequi
Natwani Coalition
Program Associate
Honwungwa
(Bear Clan)
Walpi Village
928-734-2380
Roberta (Lapusmana) Sequi, is a member of the Bear clan from the village of Walpi. Having graduated from Hopi High School she continued her education and obtained a license in Massage Therapy from Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy and began focusing her work on healing the mind and body. Successfully running a massage business In Scottsdale, AZ, she decided it was time to come home and help heal her people. She has worked with numerous business in Arizona gaining a plethora of experience and knowledge in marketing and business. Roberta has gained knowledge of gardening and vermicomposting which she enjoys and loves to share! (Ask her about her worms!) Her new found love of vermicomposting and gardening set her on a new parallel path of healing and wellness. Roberta looks to continue her passion for healing all aspects of Hopi life and continuing the preservation of Hopi agriculture and traditions.