In the course of their travels, for example, whenever Hopi ancestors found a lush spot and settled down, the people invariably became lazy, greedy and corrupt and lost the fundamental Hopi teachings and values. Too much was given too easily. The wanderings were necessary they said since many valuable lessons were to be learned along the way. While it is good that someone cares enough about our kids to give them a chance, these programs will fail if they make it too easy for the kids. The programs must teach the kids responsibility and the value of hard work and caring and sharing.
Today there is no escaping the truth and wisdom of their remarkably accurate prediction.
With these words firmly imbedded in my head, I began to observe and take careful notes of various programs. In usual fashion, I asked for guidance. Puzzled about their meaning, again I asked for guidance. For the next eight years, my father assisted me as we laid the foundation for what is now the National Native American Honor Society. The overall philosophy of the Society is a wholistic approach based on ancient Hopi and other Indian tradition and customs.