Kyle Sumatzkuku: It pretty much opened my eyes and it gave me a perspective about how truly Hopi running is not only just about this physical capability, but pretty much just running with your heart.
Ranger Grace: Welcome back to season three of Grand Canyon Speaks. This is Ranger Grace.
Ranger Dan: And this is Ranger Dan.
Ranger Grace: In this episode, Meranden sat down with Kyle Sumatzkuku to discuss his career as a runner.
Ranger Dan: He shared Hopi's connections to running and how it's a significant aspect of Hopi culture.
Ranger Grace: Kyle grew up running at the Moenkopi Day School and is now competing in races like the Boston Marathon.
Ranger Dan: Take a listen as Kyle reflects on his journey and we hope you enjoy.
Meranden: Kyle, would you like to go ahead and introduce yourself?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: [Speaks Hopi] Hello, good evening, everyone. My name is Kyle Sumatzkuku. My Hopi name is Leetayo. It means Fox or Running Fox. That name was given to me when I was initiated. And that name was given by the Coyote clan, who are my ceremonial parents. I am of the Corn clan. I am from the village of Mishongnovi, generally known as Second Mesa. But I do live in the village of Moenkopi, generally known as Third Mesa.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And pretty much, we are matriarchal and matrilineal tribe. So we always follow our mom's side of the family. So I am born from the Corn clan. And for my father's side is Sun clan, who is from the village of Moenkopi. Yeah, so it's a great honor and a good pleasure to be here to share our evening with you all. So I am 29 years old. I don't look like it. So yeah.
Meranden: Awesome. So I'm really happy to have you here, Kyle. Just really off the bat, have you been to the Grand Canyon before?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Yes, I have been here since when I was going to school at the Moenkopi Day School. We used to come here for field trips and get on the train and just visit these sites here, especially the Watchtower. And it was, all in all, like a really good childhood memory of mine, even though it's just in our backyards of Hopi land and Diné land. So it's always a pleasure to come back. But then again, we just have to be careful when we visit this place, because it's just a very sacred place to us. We kind of treat this place very gentle and a gentle spirit that lies here. So it's always good to come back and be here near the canyon, near the sun and the skies. So yeah.
Meranden: Awesome. Yeah. And I know, like you mentioned, it's really, really sacred. And I mentioned in the beginning, it has a lot of different perspectives through these different tribes. They're not all the same. They all have different meanings, different stories, things like that.
Meranden: So we always mention to our guests, our visitors here, that you treat it as a living landscape. You treat it as your own home. You don't leave trash here. You take care of it just like anything else. So like I mentioned, it's very sacred to everybody here. A lot of tribes call the canyon home.
Meranden: So right off the bat, like I mentioned, this season for season three, we talked about it having a theme of Indigenous athletes. Something that you do is running. And that's something I would really, really like to highlight today. So how did you get started with your running?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: I started running when I was a little kid. Just running in the village at recess at the Moenkopi Day School. And, you know, just doing it during our free time and downtime. And just having fun with our childhood friends at the Moenkopi Day School. Because the Moenkopi Day School had like a big giant compound. And you can just absolutely just run a lot of miles on it.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, it was definitely a childhood core to me. Because the Moenkopi Day School is literally in our backyard. And we can always just visit that little recess compound. And just be active and have fun with our friends. And, you know, yeah.
Meranden: Yeah, I remember that too. Because, I mean, we grew up in the same area. And we used to go there with my siblings too. And play in that same place. And, you know, like everywhere back home, there's a lot of different places you can go running. And we were always told not to be lazy. So we always went out and went running and things like that. So, you know, like I mentioned, running is very, very important. Not just for your health, much like the canyon as well. It's super important to the tribes here. But what importance does running have to Hopi?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Ever since I started running as a kid. And just pretty much going through the journey as being born. And getting initiated. And getting older. And becoming more mature. I didn't start to take running seriously when I was between 6th to 7th grade.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: By that time frame, I was already pretty much being shared the knowledge of. That there was a ceremonial races going on at my home village. And it pretty much opened my eyes. It gave me a perspective about how truly Hopi running is not only just about this physical capability. But it has its spiritual, mental. And pretty much just running with your heart.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And I have uncles who pretty much took me in. And showed me the whole Hopi art of running. And especially with my dad. My dad shared a lot of stories about why we do these ceremonial races. And these various races that we have on Hopi, it takes a lot of maturity. And to understand why we do it. And we have these various races. That we have snake dance race. We have the flute dance race. And we have the basket dance race. And we have clan races in our home village. And pretty much it represents all of walk of life.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And it makes the connection back here to the canyon. So I didn't start doing those races when I started to understand and get much more older. Yeah, so it just took a lot of maturity. And clearly, what's the more important reason to carry on with those races until this day.
Meranden: Yeah, and when you run these races, are there a lot of other individuals who run with you as well?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Yeah, so we have pretty much good runners back at home. But all throughout Hopi. So it's always good to see their faces again. And they're always eager to like pretty much show up. And just have a grand old time. And just place down some prayers for not only for ourselves. Not only for our families and our loved ones. But pretty much for all living things out there. And having it connect with the ceremony itself too as well. Because it brings the might of the earth not only to our earth. But to people's hearts too as well.
Meranden: Yeah, we've talked about how running is not just for your health. But it's also a form of prayer. We do it for moisture. We do it for a lot of cultural reasons. So that running aspect is very important to Hopi. You know, you mentioned these races. And you didn't really start getting serious with it at a younger age. Until, you know, you start going to school. What was running like for you as a student growing up? Like middle school or high school? What was that running experience like?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Ever since I started running at the Moenkopi Day School, I didn't really take running that serious. Matter of fact, a true story here. When I started running at the Moenkopi Day School, I would always start leading out the runners. I would lead the runners. And then by then, probably halfway, I would see like one of my teammates or my good friends. My good buddies who are like hunched over or hurt.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Or you know, my empathy. Me, I'm showing compassion to my fellow running mates. I would stop and I would go back and check on them while the other runners would pass. And I didn't know anything about competition back then. You know, I was just there just hanging out, having a good time with my friends and running with them. Because we always ran with each other during recess, clan runs, and even our training.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: So when it came to races, I was so compassionate to my fellow teammates. Even when they have a side ache or they're about to puke or anything. And I would stay behind and check up on them. And then by the time when the race is just about over, we'll still be in the back of the pack. And we'll still be like lollygagging, having a chat or just talking to each other. And while we just see the other runners by us, just past us.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And then once we cross the finish line, my parents, my mom and dad will ask me like, hey, how come you weren't in front of the other runners? I was like, oh, I was just waiting for my friend.
Meranden: We talked about the races that you did growing up, or just running in general and being careful with the teammates that you had. I know you also did other kind of running such as community stuff, maybe like Just Move It, your own kind of races. What was that experience like doing those kind of bigger races rather than running for school?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: It was definitely like another realm for me to step in. Just maturing from elementary to junior high to high school races, running against schools, but stepping into bigger races, going to Australia Down Under to race an international race when I was a junior in high school, which was quite an experience and I loved it. But after that, I kind of dug deep and thought about it more like, wow, I actually went to Down Under to Australia to race there.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: But then again, maybe I want to go to the West Coast or to the East Coast to race. And then after all, racing against reservations, to reservations, to going from city to another country, always wanted to come back and race in the United States. But furthermore, racing at Shiprock Marathon in New Mexico, that was definitely a really good opener for me. And it pretty much prolonged to going to the East Coast to run the Boston Marathon.
Meranden: Awesome. Now that you mentioned the Boston Marathon, you ran that in 2021, correct?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Yes, correct.
Meranden: Cool. Yeah. And could you talk a little bit more about that? What was the experience running in Boston? Did you have to qualify or what was the process like getting ready for the Boston Marathon?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: So the Boston Marathon itself, I did not know. I was kind of like, it was quite a long shot for me because I didn't know you have to qualify in your age category to hit a qualifying time or a Boston time qualifier, BTQ, as they say. And honestly, you had to run a marathon just to qualify for Boston.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: So when I started doing my research, I was kind of like a little bit hesitant and a little bit scared and a little bit anxious because I didn't know what I was walking into. And it all started from the spring of 2019 and then carried on to summer. So I did sign up for the Shiprock Marathon that is held in Shiprock, New Mexico.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And that marathon is pretty much a big gig, says so in the newspaper. And so I did train for that. And I was training in Lancaster, California. I spent a semester out there at Valley. And my coach, Coach Clay, he was there and he did mention that, hey, you can be a marathon runner and you do have the endurance and you have the aerobic capacity. I was like, oh, OK, let's do it. So qualifying for the race, did the Shiprock Marathon. And I was 25 years old then. And I did have a time standard in mind, just hitting six flat pace, hoping to beat three hours, particularly in my age category.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: I was supposed to hit three hours even just to qualify for the Boston Marathon. But I was a little bit, probably 20 to 30 minutes ahead of three hours. So it was quite a shocker. I didn't know that the Shiprock Marathon was going to be a Boston qualifying course to time. And yeah, so.
Meranden: So when you ran the Shiprock Marathon, what was your time?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: It was 2:38:08. Yeah.
Meranden: Two hours and 38 minutes. Oh, my God. And your pace was like six?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: It was between six flat to 5:55 pace.
Meranden: And that's 26 miles, right?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: 26.2 miles.
Meranden: Oh, my God. That's crazy. And then when you did the Boston Marathon, how did that turn out? What was it like going from? I know you mentioned you went to a lot of different places to run. And this is one of the biggest races, biggest marathons that is out there for runners. What was that experience like?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: The build up to it, the lead up to it was something very monumental. And, you know, once I hit the qualifying standard for Boston, it was my first Boston Marathon ever. And, you know, the build up to it was just absolutely just nerve wracking.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: It was very nervous. And, you know, I try to keep my composure having my loved ones, my family, my mom and dad, you know, the whole community, the whole village, just to keep my composure while doing the training, not only the training, having the strong encouragement and the high spirits to lead up to the race like that. And, you know, I was getting absolutely just mighty prayers, some good encouragement from not only from my village, but, you know, from all over from different tribes and surrounding reservations.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, it was definitely something worth thinking about to this day, because it was quite an experience and it was so heavy. And I still reflect about it to this day. And, you know, it was like, how are we going to get there? Of course, we need the money. Yeah, there was a checklist where, yeah, I did one check, check the box off was qualifying for Boston. What's next?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Yeah, doing like a fundraiser and then getting the word out. And honestly, the Boston Marathon is annually held on the month of April. But during that time frame, it was kind of uncertain times.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And it was kind of, you know, unwary because the president of the United States of the year of 2022 to 2021, you know, the pandemic happened. COVID hit, you know, all races were canceled, all races were postponed. But for Boston, it was pretty much postponed. And then it was pretty much canceled. And then it led on to virtual race during that time. And annually, it was held in April.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And it was always held on Monday, Patriots Day. But it was a blessing in disguise for me that Boston during that time, went through all that segment. And then it came back, made the announcement saying that, oh, Boston is going to be held in the month of October, which was kind of surprising.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, it was going to be kept at that date and postponed to October 20, October 11, 2021. But during that time, during that day, it was held, the race was held on Indigenous Peoples Day. So whatever, whatever natural occurrence was that, you know, it was definitely a journey for me to take on.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, it was something that out there naturally, out there was, you're going to run this race, no matter what the setbacks are from the previous races, from qualifying, going through the trials and tribulations leading up to Boston. So it took me just about almost two years just to, you know, get ready for the Boston Marathon and race on the month of October 11, 2021. And, you know, it was something powerful and mighty.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And knowing that it was going to be on Indigenous Peoples Day, normally the race would be on Patriots Day in the month of April during springtime. So it was something that I still think about to this day. And, you know, just trying to wrap my mind around it and to share with you all, it's something very mighty.
Meranden: Yeah, that's awesome. Because, you know, during this time you talked about, it was time of uncertainty with, you know, COVID happening. And then, like you mentioned, that blessing of the sky is happening now on October of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Meranden: That's really cool that you got to, you know, think about running not just for yourself, but your whole community, your whole, like all the cultures, all the traditions, things like that. It's really cool that you had that special honor of doing that and having a race like that. And then I know over time, you mentioned that through all this running, you have achieved a lot of goals. You've been able to check the list off the bucket list of, you know, running this Boston Marathon.
Meranden: As you continue, you know, you mentioned you're 29, still very young. What are some goals that you created for yourself that, as a runner, that you hope to achieve in the future?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: I pretty much have long-term goals and I have short-term goals. But sometimes goals can just be elusive. Sometimes you can make them achieve and fulfill them and be successful with them.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: But sometimes you just have to check back and, you know, reach those goals. And, you know, just enduring the journey of those trials and tribulations and going through the process, you know, it takes a lot where you have to go back and think about to yourself and being like, hey, I got this. What if you have these nagging doubts?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: You have these insecurities and whatnot. What if I'm not going to make it? Or what if I'm not going to get the Boston Marathon qualifying time? And, you know, just sticking to that plan, you know, it takes time. It takes effort. It takes a lot of, you know, all these little things just to make it happen, not only the physicality, but the spiritual-wise, the mental-wise.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, just enduring the journey of running Shiprock Marathon was my goal of qualifying for Boston. I ran a 2:38:08 at the Shiprock Marathon back in 2019. And then once I fulfilled the Boston Marathon back in October 11, 2021, I ran a 2:26:17 at my first Boston Marathon debut. So there was a huge gap there. And running Boston twice was something very fulfilling that I had to relive and come back because the first time was very successful. But the second time I went back, you know, it was held in the month of April where it was kind of hot.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: So, you know, just reflecting back on the first Boston Marathon debut, going back again in 2022, always wanted to make a bigger margin of from 2:26:00 to the second Boston Marathon debut. But times during that time, I didn't get to fulfill it, you know. So I did have to step back and just to reflect on what possibly will happen during that time of the second debut.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: But yeah, so goals can be elusive. Sometimes you can stick to them. Sometimes there's some mishaps, hiccups, you know, things like that can happen and occur in a marathon race just like that.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: But, you know, I did the second marathon debut. I did have my trials and tribulations where I had tears. I had breakdowns and my spirits was a bit cracked and more so broken.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: But definitely, I will honestly want to go back and make another debut sometime, hopefully next year or the following year. But, you know, the future is bright. So we can always carry on this prayer of sticking to the goal and making a big impact and trying to overcome those fears, those nagging doubts and those insecurities as a runner.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, it can definitely be pretty much a mental battle with yourself. But then again, you surround yourself with good people, with good teammates who definitely encourage you, not only they admire your running, admire yourself and the way you carry yourself. But, you know, they always love seeing people, seeing yourself out there running and continue to try and continue to push the envelope in and just give it all you got. But, you know, just don't give up. Don't relent, you know, don't be so hard on yourself about it because I had my times there and, you know, I still think about that time. It was kind of scary.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Yeah, it was kind of finding myself alone during that time frame. But days passed by and, you know, having my loved ones and my family saying, it's OK, it's OK, you didn't get to hit the goal that you had in mind. But then again, I kind of thought about it like, yeah, I didn't get to hit it.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: But then again, you know, I still have more years ahead of me just to fulfill them. And, you know, it can be fun sometimes and, you know, you just can't get enough of it. But then again, just thinking about it, having the character, having the strong spirit to carry on and to carry forth and let people know that don't give up, don't relent. And don't be hard about yourself, about not achieving your goals and continue forward and have that strong will in your heart.
Meranden: Yeah, awesome. I do want to mention, based on everything that you just now said, it is very important to have that kind of mindset, you know, taking a step back, understanding that I have these goals, they are there. And, you know, sometimes there are going to be those times where it is going to be hard. But then you also understand, like, this is just part of the journey. This is what makes me stronger. And having that mindset is really good.
Meranden: And it's really nice to see you overcome them, accomplish them, and then just continue to have more goals. So it's really cool to see how you've really transformed throughout the years, throughout the different races that you've done. And, you know, with this running experience you had just as a runner, you've also been able to expand your knowledge to other individuals, such as coaching. So over time, you've been able, actually last year, coach back home in your own local community. What has that experience been like for you?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: It's been unique, definitely. It was something new for me. But then again, I wanted to take time and donate my time to the youth. And, you know, just to share my experiences with them, even though when they're young. Because it's always good to start out young for running. And, you know, you can see them blossom and see them grow and see them mature as a runner.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Not only a runner, but, you know, they can mature as a student, and then a runner, and then a good person last. And, you know, it's always good to see them pretty much blossom like that. And, you know, sometimes it's always good to have them endure the trials and tribulations.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, there's times where seeing them race, seeing them, it's not only about the training, but then again, it goes further more than more than the training. You know, you have the mentality state and you got your spiritual. And then, you know, just to have those things aligned and, you know, having them blossom into a mature runner. And, you know, I did take the time to share my experiences at the Tuba City boarding school. I did promote from there and then went on to high school. I ran there my seventh and eighth grade year.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, it was definitely a unique experience for me because definitely I was looking at those kids. I was like, man, I was a seventh and eighth grade running those high temperatures where it's just so hot. And, you know, and it's always good to stop by and just share miles with them.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, sometimes it's not only the running part, but showing them discipline and enthusiasm and optimism and just sharing all those good components about sometimes, yeah, the training's there. But when you get into a race, like, you know, it's always good to be there right by their side and encourage them and, you know, tell them not to give up and not to relent or be so hard about themselves. Because I did experience over a dozen times with runners and, you know, they sometimes come up to me and be like, Kyle, I can't do this.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Why, like, how come I'm not hitting this pace? How come I'm not hitting this time? Or by the time my competitor, my running next to me, he does this.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: I'll be like, you gotta sometimes just not so be hard on yourself about it, you know. And it takes time, it takes effort, and it takes the maturity. And, you know, not only being a coach at Tuba City Boarding School, but I did spend some time with Wings of America.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Wings of America is based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and they're all around indigenous Native American youth running base. And they do have some summer running camps out all over the reservation of the Four Corners area. And I was very fortunate to be a facilitator slash coach to donate my time with them and meeting other runners from Pueblo, from Diné, from youth all over, just 11 tribes, as they say.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, taking on from there, I was pretty much had an opportunity to even coach on the Hopi Reservation, where we have Hopi Wellness Center. And we did have our two second annual Hopi Running Camp at the Hopi Civic Center. And they were kind enough for allowing me to coach them and have a three-day running camp with the youth.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And so from Tuba City Boarding School to Wings of America to donating my time to Hopi Wellness Center for a running camp all in all, it was just a unique experience. And sometimes, you know, I do see all these kids. You'll be like, hey, you're the Tuba City Boarding School runner or the coach.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And I'll be like, yeah, hey, how's it going? And, you know, and be like, oh, hey, I seen you at the Wings of America Running Camp. Or I seen you at the Just Move It. And I seen you at the Hopi Wellness Running Camp, the Hopi Running Camp. And, you know, just so on and so forth. And, you know, so I do take the time and I do take, you know, the time to talk to them. And, you know, just pretty much sharing my knowledge of running. And not only like the running, but the cultural and aspirations for them. And it's always open. I'm always willing to share. And yeah, so.
Meranden: Awesome. Yeah. And I know you mentioned talking about sharing your knowledge and, you know, yourself using that donation of your time to the youth, to your community, things like that. And over time, you've been able to show that as a coach. Since we have this platform here, and I know you actually want to show something here. Would you like to talk a little bit of what that is?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Yes. So these are pretty much photographs from one of the traditional races that we have on Hopi. And it's a basket dance race. And these are one of the ceremonial races that we have during the time of fall. And, you know, I had a special honor and privilege that one of my uncles does who got to photograph the run. And, you know, it's definitely something so monumental. And I love those photos. It's definitely, I love physical copies. And it's something that I reflect on.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, it's a constant reminder that, you know, this is what we do. And this is what we have on Hopi. And I want to share that with you all. And I want to share it with the youth and the young ones out there that, yeah, you are always welcome to run these races, the flute dance, the snake dance, the basket dance, and even the clan runs. So, yeah, so.
Meranden: For our audience listening online, what are some of the pictures that are on there? What are some of them on there?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Oh, yeah, so.
Meranden: Okay, like there's some with your family.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Oh, yeah, so I do have some with my family. Yeah, so this was here with my family. So I do have my uncle. And then I have my mom and my other mom. And then I have one of my good buddies from the village. And this was all taken post-race.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And along with my uncle here, who had taught me the Hopi art of running. And, you know, I can't thank him enough of how much he blossomed and matured me into a Hopi runner and taught me about these Hopi ceremonial races. And, you know, and so, yeah, so.
Meranden: Yeah, those are some nice photos. I like seeing those. They remind me of, like, even my own, like seeing the one. Like you mentioned, having physical photos, physical copies is really, really nice. So, yeah, like you mentioned, the whole thing of the importance of it, passing it on to the youth, for anyone. This is also for anyone in the audience or those online listening. What are some advice that you would give to upcoming runners of any age, even youth, that would like to be upcoming runners or athletes?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Yeah, so, you know, it's always good to start out. You know, you can start out small. And, you know, you don't need any fancy machines or anything. You just need a pair of running shoes and some good running attire and just run those trails. And, you know, I did start out when I was young, just from recess to having time with my friends. And, you know, it's definitely a journey to take on. And it's always good to share. And, you know, so it's always good to start out small. I did start out as a late bloomer, as they say.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: I wasn't fast back at the Moenkopi Day School. And I was quite of a chubby kid. I do have a photo. When I first started out running at a Hopi running camp back in 2007, and I was a bit heavy set. But then again, I kind of didn't. I just ran for fun. But then again, from fun, it kind of matured myself into. So, you know, you can always start out small. And, you know, you don't need any fancy machines, just a pair of good running sneakers. And then just have yourself, have your own solitude, have your good efforts and have, you know, finding that happy place in your heart where just running, having a jog, having a walk, having a brisk walk. Or, you know, it's always fun to take on a journey like that. And, you know, sometimes you're hooked.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Sometimes you get the running bug, as they say. And, you know, it's always good to start out young as I have and start out slow. So it's always good to start out where you started. And it always starts from home. And, you know, I always thought about starting out when I was young and, you know, just evolving, maturing, taking on this like a stepping stone. And, you know, it's quite an experience when you get older and you think about these things.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And you'd be like, wow, I actually had a slow start. And, you know, it was quite of a time of my life and, you know, something to reflect on. So out there, people who want to get into the sport of running, you know, it's good for your wellness. It's good for your health. It's good for your spirit. It's good for your mind. And it's just good all around your well-being. And yeah, so.
Meranden: Yeah, that's good advice. I actually have a half marathon coming up in October. So I'm taking it slow, definitely. Running those lower mileages and then also learning how to get a pretty good pace. And also like back home, there's a lot of places you can run. All the hills, all the different places to run. So throughout this interview, we actually have a fun question for our guests. The fun question is, if you could have any indigenous food right now, what would it be?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: I was always spoiled back at home, especially on Hopi. You know, we're farmers and, you know, everything is based around corn, beans and watermelon, squash. And we have heirloom seeds that we plant every summer.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, based off those foods, everything famous about our Hopi food is probably piki known as. It's a bread. It's blue. It's made out of juniper ashes. And it comes off and it's baked on a stone that it's black and has animal fat brains to sheep brains. And it's casted with watermelon seeds. That's how it gets that really good ashy texture. Kyle Sumatzkuku: But probably it will be piki. And nöqwivi, of course, that is made from white corn. And it's very filling. And it has can be whatever whatever kind of meat, rabbit meat or even sheep meat. Also, somiviki, it's pretty much blue corn. And it has a really good texture of the ashy from the juniper ash taste. And yeah, and it's very sweet. So I would say those are my top three. And watermelon, of course. And, you know, I can go on about these special foods. And they're definitely a delicacy that we have on Hopi land. And also frybread and the notorious Indian taco.
Meranden: Yeah, those are all really good ones. And usually we say, I kind of say the same thing because I like to say my kind of food. I would say nöqwivi, piki is a good one because everyone's like, what is that? But we try to say like, sometimes we explain as like a piece of paper. And if you were to like, literally, if I wrote this paper, it kind of looks like that. It's like that thin. And you just eat it with like you dip it in a lot. You can dip it in tea, you can dip in coffee, dip it in your soup, things like that. But those are some good answers.
Meranden: As we are beginning to wrap up this interview, I have one last question for you. And what would you like to leave this audience here? And then our audience online, what would you like to leave them with today?
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Yeah, so all in all, take care of yourselves. You know, live a happy life. You know, it's always good to take care of your well-being, your mental state, your spiritual, even your heart. And, you know, Ronnie just taught me a lot. And to connect with not only with people, not only with humans, but along with in depth of connecting with the land, connecting with our animals out there, and the vegetation, the birds, and even the bugs out there that just roam around this earth. And, you know, it's always good to connect with Mother Earth herself.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, it's always good to just take time out of your day to go out there and just to run or take a good morning walk or a good morning jog out there and think about what we have in this life. And, you know, we only have one life here on this earth. And, you know, it's always good to live it every day like it's your last, you know, sharing good memories, sharing good cheers, birthdays, weddings, you know, all those good things in life.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And it's always good to have good pals, good mates, good buddies next to you and whatever purpose, whatever life that you're trying to fulfill with your spouse, a best friend and with your loved ones and family. And, you know, keep them close. And we always think about our loved ones back at home and especially, you know, around this world. Because, you know, we only have one life. We only live on one earth. We only have one life to give.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And, you know, so just take care of yourselves out there wherever you go, whatever you're doing, whatever morning ritual you have, you know, the simple rituals, having a morning coffee, having morning tea with your family. And, you know, so take care of your well-being because you have a purpose here on this earth. And it's always good to check on one another even though you haven't seen them for a while, you haven't seen them for, you know, how many days out.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: So, yeah, and just be good to yourself. And, you know, there's some hard, rough patches, muddy patches out there that we endure, that we have not only, you know, at our home base or, you know, it could be at work or the daily life, the daily routines that you have, you know, just take time and take time for yourself to reflect and, you know, just to show yourself the loving, having that spoiled moment with yourself, you know, go out there and spoil yourself. It doesn't hurt to spoil yourself, to hang out with friends and, or even by your lonesome, to visit a canyon like this or to visit your favorite place that makes you happy. Not only by yourself, but with others that you want to spend time with.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: So life is good. Life can be breathtaking. Life can be heavy at times. Life can be all these sorts of emotions that can deliver to us, but we're only human. You know, we had these five senses of us and, you know, I never, we never take life for granted because, you know, we have our grandparents, we have my parents, we have our parents and, you know, we have our little ones to think about. So visitors who visit this special place, you know, it's always going to be here, whatever place that you have on your trip or wherever you want to go that you call your special place, you know, take care of it.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Just give it back the blessings that you endured just to give it back to the place because it made you so happy and it made you feel composed and during those highs and lows, it made you so better. So all in all, look out for one another, love each other. You know, it doesn't matter where, who we are, where we come from, you know, we treat each other with respect and with the love that we want, the love and respect that we want to treat them and how they want to treat us.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And in Hopi, we have these five principles and it's these principles that are endured for Hopi, but out there, not only for Hopi, but out there with the 11 tribes, they have their own principles. But in Hopi, we have [speaks Hopi] and I'm forgetting another one. Pretty sure my dad will let me know. But those five principles, those pretty much live around us Hopis. And, you know, if we fulfill those five principles, yeah, we are Hopi. But, you know, treating land, treating every little living being out there with respect, with harmony, with good intentions, with, you know, with what we have on this earth.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: And it follows back with walking this earth, running this earth, you know, having to see a good, a new day, a new sunrise, a new sunset. And, you know, so it's always good to give back to those elements out there and the bugs and the birds and all the living things out there that surround us, that we hear from the morning of the a.m. and even at the dusk until evening. So in Hopi, we say, [speaks Hopi] you know, just take care of yourself, live a strong, happy, loving, and a good-hearted life out there and remain strong out there, take care of your loved ones and, you know, take, be careful and look out for one another, especially wherever you go and wherever your destination will be.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: So thank you and yeah, take care.
Meranden: Owi, askwali for being here. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and we look forward to seeing you here again. So thank you.
Kyle Sumatzkuku: Owi, kwa’kwa. Thank you for having me.
Ranger Jonah: Grand Canyon Speaks is a program hosted by Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon Conservancy. A special thanks to Aaron White for the theme music. This recording reflects the personal lived experiences of tribal members and do not encompass the views of their tribal nation or that of the national park.
Ranger Jonah: To learn more about Grand Canyon First Voices, visit www.nps.gov/grca. Here at Grand Canyon National Park, we are on the ancestral homelands of the 11 associated tribes of the Grand Canyon. These being the Havasupai Tribe, the Hualapai Tribe, the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, the Pueblo of Zuni, the Yavapai Apache Nation, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, the Moapa Band of Paiutes, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
