Hopiland Home Repair

The Hopi villages are the longest continuously inhabited towns in North America. The Hopi tribe is known for its peaceful living, and they live in ways that are an example to the rest of the world. Hopis are one of the only tribes in America that have consistently voted against bringing gambling houses onto the reservation. They continue to live the traditional ways that have been passed down from their ancestors as much as possible. Hopi is a sovereign nation, continuing to live with very little or no government support and are for the most part self-supporting.

Anyone who has visited the villages during a dance will attest to the Hopi’s friendliness and openness to all who come with a peaceful intent. Many people from various parts of the world have stood on the roofs of Hopi houses and watched with fascination and interest the ritual dances of the Kachinas as they emerge from the kivas and either dance through the village or in the village plaza.  Many have also shared in the generosity of the Hopis and broken bread with them during dance celebrations.

For the most part, present inhabitants are living in stone houses or have homes that are in serious disrepair and in need of new roofs or floors. Most Hopi families do not have the means to make these needed repairs. The majority of the inhabitants do not have running  water or indoor bathrooms with flush toilets.  For the past 27 years, Marv Bateman, a former Dallas Cowboy and All-Pro Football Player for the Buffalo Bills has been leading teams of volunteers to Third Mesa, Hotevilla, to rebuild and recondition roofs, walls, and to aid in general repairs for various families. John Keyworth , a former Denver Bronco Running Back and good friend of Marv, has also been involved.  Marv and John have teamed up together and would like to invite you to help in this continuous process of making these crucial repairs.  There is a critical need for funds to purchase the materials required to do the repairs. Roofing materials, plywood, framing materials, paint, windows, etc. are in urgent need. 100% of all monies received will go to the project. The labor is being donated by numerous volunteers.   

At this time, there are three homes that are being targeted for immediate repair, but there are so many other homes in need of mending and these will be the subject of future projects. The team is planning to take several trips during the months of April and May. Volunteers will stay for a few days at a time near or on Third Mesa, until they can complete the repairs planned. 


The photos show some of the ceiling damage that will be repaired. The roof here is actually sagging and in danger of collapsing. This roof will be completely replaced to make this home habitable.