Mission Statement: Hawikku’s mission is to harness the power of tradition, entrepreneurship, science, and technology (TEST) to improve quality of life for the Zuni people and sustain our cultural ways of life.
Vision Statement: We envision thriving Zuni people that have opportunities to innovate from our roots, fostering a Zuni community that is healthy, prosperous, secure, and able to preserve our cultural and natural resources.
What We Do: We offer culturally responsive programs, training, and technical assistance that broadens opportunities for Zuni people and entities, all driven by the collaborative spirit of our community. We equip traditionally minded community members with the education, tools, and resources they need to build upon their strengths and overcome barriers. We are committed to fostering cross-sector collaboration and investments among private, government, and philanthropic partners to foster social and economic development in the Zuni community.
Our past, our future, our way.
Who we serve:
- Zuni People and Organizations:
We invest in the brilliance and ingenuity of our Zuni people and organizations, providing tailored education, resources, and technical support that meets them where they are at, helping them toward their goals.
- Zuni Farmers and Ranchers:
We empower Zuni farmers and ranchers with essential training, resources and technical support to grow sustainable operations, grounded in the strengths of our rich agricultural traditions.
- Zuni Youth:
We connect Zuni youth to invaluable STEAM (Science, Technology,Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education, mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Acknowledging the immense potential of Zuni youth, our services bridge the gap between Zuni values and contemporary STEAM fields. By nurturing talent and innovation, we empower Zuni people to excel in the rapidly evolving world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Our focus:
- Climate Resilience:
Our technical advisors integrate Zuni cultural values with cutting-edge science and technology to enhance our community’s climate resilience. Adverse federal, state, and regional actions have increased Zuni’s vulnerability to climate change, including energy, food, and water insecurity. In response, we collaborate across sectors to deploy clean energy solutions and green infrastructure, fostering a proactive response to climate change. - Land Stewardship:
We help Zuni people navigate the complexities of Tribal land laws, equipping them with advice and tools that give them more awareness and direction for stewarding their lands.
- Cultural Site Restoration:
We provide technical support and resources for the physical restoration of cultural sites and structures. We are committed to protecting and preserving the tangible elements of our heritage, ensuring the preservation of our cultural identity for future generations. - Business Skills:
We provide training that equips Zuni entrepreneurs with business skills and resources to launch and operate sustainable businesses. Our trainings help Zuni entrepreneurs with business planning, marketing, intellectual property, and distribution.
History of Hawikku
For the A:shiwi (Zuni people), Hawikku is more than ancestral village, it’s an enduring symbol of our resilience. In 1540, Hawikku made history as the site of first recorded contact between Europeans and Indigenous people in what we now call the United States. That’s when Spanish explorers, in their quest for the legendary Seven Cities of Gold, met A:shiwi (Zuni people) at Hawikku. While this encounter marked an important moment in history, it was not a defining moment for our people, because almost 500 years later, our tribe, language, and culture are still here. Like generations before, Hawikku is deeply committed to doing the work that will ensure that in 500 more years, our people, language, and culture will still be here.
Meet our team
Bringing together talent and vision
Shaun Tsabetsaye
Vice President
Calvin Chimoni
President – Executive Director
Darrell Tsabetsaye
Founder
Andrew Stone
Secretary Treasurer
Nikki Tsabetsaye
Artist / Social Media