A script from Hopi history: Louis Tewanima

Louis Tewanima
louistewanima.org

Running is an ongoing tradition for Hopi and is an essential component in ceremonies that symbolize the prosperity of all living things on earth. Many traditional Hopi stories tell of different aspects of running, endurance, and strength of Hopi men and now women. Sharing the story of one Hopi man, Louis Tewanima, sheds another light on one of many positive moments in Hopi history that the Hopi people are proud of.

Louis Tewanima was from the village of Shungopavi, located on the Second Mesa. He was bearstrap clan, born and raised in Shungopavi village. He was one of many children that was forced to go to school in 1906. Seeing that Hopi was going through a difficult time where they constantly fought against the white mans ways, Louis was one that was against the white mans way of life. Eventually, Louis was sent to Carlisle, Pennsylvania for school. This is where Louis started running to keep from becoming lonely and missing home. Competition became apart of Louis's running and would often compete with Jim Thorpe, who also attended school in Carlisle. After competing in track meets and winning many races, Louis eventually made it to the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. During this time he won the silver medal in the 10,000 meter race and set a U.S record for his race. He held that record for 52 years, until it was broken by Billy Mills in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

In 1973, to honor Louis, an annual "Louis Tewanima Footrace" was started and is held in the village of Shungopavi, that still continues today. This committee is made of family members of Louis and they strive to keep the tradition of running and the memory of Louis alive amongst the Hopi community and visitors alike.