“Water sustains all life. … When water is threatened, all living things are threatened.”

This article appeared in the Arizona Daily Sun on March 2, 2006.

EPIC JOURNEY KEEPS TRADITION ALIVE

By Ed Odeven

“Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds,” someone once said.

For the Hopi Tribe, running is a sacred tradition, a link from the past to the present. It’s an activity that’s been proudly passed on from generation to generation.

Nowadays, Richard Dawavendewa, 39, is one of many individuals committed to preserving the significance of running for Hopis.

“I think at this point and age all we can do is try to carry on the knowledge and the traditions that we do know and make sure that they are being continued and practiced in the right way — how it was meant to be,” Dawavendewa said.

“(Running) should be a habit, a constant, not just an off-and-on approach.”

The Tuba City High School art teacher and cross country…