Hopi Tribal Council

The Hopi Tribal Council was established on December 19, 1936, following the ratification of the Hopi Constitution and By-Laws on October 24, 1936, under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This established a unicameral government that vested all powers in the council while preserving traditional village authorities. The council's mission, as stated in its constitution's preamble, centers on self-governance, promoting peace and agreements among villages to preserve Hopi life, and representing the tribe in interactions with federal, state, and local governments, as well as other tribes. The council consists of 22 representatives (as of 2026) from villages including Upper Moenkopi, Bacavi, Kykotsmovi, Sipaulovi, First Mesa Consolidated Villages (Walpi, Sitchumovi, Tewa), and Mishongnovi. Representatives are elected or appointed by village leaders for two-year terms. The council has been involved in several key initiatives, including the Hopi Waters for Life project in partnership with the USDA Forest Service to preserve sacred springs for over 30 years, and the Navajo-Hopi land settlement negotiations following the 1974 Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act, litigating land partitions since 1958 and reaching an Agreement in Principle with Navajo families in 1992. Notable controversies include the Navajo-Hopi land disputes, stemming from an 1882 Executive Order and leading to the 1974 Settlement Act, resulting in land partitions and relocation efforts. Current leadership (2026) includes Chairman Lamar B. Keevama, Vice Chairman Mikah H. Kewanimptewa, Tribal Secretary Dwayne Secakuku, Tribal Treasurer Wilfred Gaseoma, and Sergeant-at-Arms Alfonso Sakeva. The Hopi Tribal Council continues to engage in negotiations with government entities and partnerships to support the welfare and preservation of Hopi traditions.