Swanson, Terry

Hopi elder Leroy Lewis grew up in the village of Sichomovi on First Mesa, learning from his elders in the traditional ways of the Flute Clan. As a small child, Leroy became immersed in the clan history, language and culture of his people. He became a practitioner of his clan by way of initiation as a young boy. A key mentor in his life, who shared the old ways, was his grandfather of the Butterfly Clan. Leroy's mother is from the Flute Clan and his father is of the Kachina Clan. Other clan chiefs gave him guidance, support and knowledge of the Hopi ways, which he continues to value and practic...