At the beginning of the video clip, Leigh Kuwanwisiwma, the Hopi narrator from Bacavi, Arizona, mentions the passage of the Allotment Act, which Congress made into law in 1887 and modified in 1891. The Allotment Act marked an important shift in federal policy that remained in place with amendments until the 1930s.

• What was the Allotment Act?
• In what ways was it a change from previous federal policies?
• What was its impact?
• Why did Mr. Kuwanwisiwma feel it was profoundly out of sync with Hopi culture and life style?

To add to Mr. Kuwanwisiwma's commentary and help answer the questions, investigate these additional resources.

When they returned, Loololma hosted a meeting of all the Hopi leaders in a Kiva, a subterranean ceremonial room. Large numbers of Hopis waited outside.

• During the meeting, what examples did Loololma give to demonstrate the dangers that white men posed and the advantages that they possessed?

Place yourself in Loololma's position. As one of the key leaders of his people, he needed to devise a response for coping with a powerful and very serious threat to the Hopi culture and way of life.

• What strategy does Loololma propose?
• What examples does he give to illustrate his strategy?
• What alternative strategies might Loololma have adopted in terms of resistance and acceptance?

• The challenges that Loololma faced in trying to preserve and even possibly strengthen the Hopi culture and way of life occurred more than a century ago . However, are there any parallel experiences that individuals or groups face today? In the United States? Elsewhere in the world?
• In what ways could you research answers to the question above? Interview grandparents or other family members who may have emigrated to the US? Find studies or surveys of immigrants, migrant workers, undocumented aliens? Research the cultural underpinnings of current global conflicts? Other options?
• Are there any examples in your own life where you had to adjust to dominant cultural values or norms that may have run counter to your own personal beliefs? Are there any valuable personal lessons to be learned from the Hopi's situation and Loololma's response?