Former Hopi chairman promotes education and job creation.
Shing, as he is affectionately called by friends, does not shy away from talking about his age.
“To reach this age and still have good mind and body is an accomplishment,” he said.
Shingoitewa has been serving in Hopi government since 1968. He served as chairman from 2009-2013, and also served as governor of his beloved Moenkopi Village.
One of the longstanding issues he has worked on is the proposed Colorado River water rights settlement, which involves the Hopi, Navajo, San Juan Paiute and Colorado River Indian tribes, along with the state and federal government. To become law, the proposal must be approved by Congress. He says it will require funding to make it feasible, as the water would need to be piped from the Colorado River to the Hopi, Navajo and other tribes. He expects the process to continue for years.
Right now, the Hopi tribal council is getting ready to work on the annual budget, which lost a large portion of its income when the Peabody Coal power plant closed. Shingoitewa connects these two issues, as he believes water will make Hopi lands more desirable for businesses and jobs.
“That would supplement the water we get from the N-aquifer,” he said. “We need the water for economic development and for homes for our people.”
The N-aquifer is deep under Hopi and Navajo lands.
Shingoitewa also hopes to bring solar energy to homes and businesses in Moenkopi.
A former school principal and teacher, Shingoitewa is a big supporter of education. He is an advocate for unifying Hopi schools into one school district. Currently, they operate on their own with different curriculums.
“We need to prepare our children for universities, the work force, vocational education. We need to retain our culture – teaching our children and grandchildren about Hopi life and where we came from – but we also need to compete in today’s technological world,” he said.
He says the lack of jobs on Hopi is causing young tribal members to move elsewhere. “Our students need to be well-rounded to compete.”
Shingoitewa is proud of his heritage. His late father, Samuel Shingoitewa, and other Hopi elders created the Hopi Constitution. When he served as chairman, Shingoitewa worked to cultivate relationships with the federal government. The Hopi flag was also created during his term.
He says the best part of serving on the Hopi Tribal Council is helping people. “We have a role to follow. My mother and father gave me that guidance. They taught me compassion, to go to school and learn about the outside world,” he said. “You never fail in life if you learn as you go.”
Shingoitewa and his wife, Mavis, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in December. They have five children, 20 grandchildren and “more great-grandchildren than I can count,” he said with a laugh.
A Great Day
To go with family and enjoy life. Go to a meal and enjoy laughter and talking. My family makes my day. To hear us all laughing is good for the soul.
Moment of Nostalgia
When I retired as principal of Kinsey Elementary School in Flagstaff, it was sad, but when I was inaugurated as chairman, the staff was all there and that was a great honor. Whenever someone retires from Kinsey, we still get together.
Favorite Interest
I love working with students. I serve as an elder for the students at Northern Arizona University and I’m going back for my fifth year this year to do it again. Anytime I can help students, I’m happy.
Advice for Young People
Be willing to take the opportunity to increase your knowledge. That’s how I got into Penn State. I happened to meet and talk to someone there. He offered me a full ride scholarship. That’s what happens when you are friendly, communicate and you’re not afraid.
My Inspiration
So many people from my tribe, other tribes and non-tribal individuals. I had a teacher at Keams Canyon Boarding School, the late Mrs. Jack Lee. She was strict. If you did something wrong, she would pop you on the hand. But when I came back to Hopi, she told me, “I knew you would be something someday.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Courtesy Photo: Hopi Tribal Councilmember LeRoy Shingoitewa, former tribal chairman and Moenkopi Village governor, has dedicated his life to service.
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