Reflections from a Hopi Farmer by Michael Kotutwa Johnson

Michael Kotutwa Johnson reflects on water and life as a Hopi farmer.

This video is part of the We are Water story collection. These stories explore the diverse experiences and unique perspectives about water from people who live in the Four Corners Region of the Southwestern United States. To hear more stories or share your own story about water, visit the We are Water website. This video contains the English captions for Michael Kotutwa Johnson's story.

About the Presenter Header

About the Presenter

Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson is a member of the Hopi Tribe in Northern Arizona. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from the University of Arizona, a Master of Public Policy from Pepperdine University, and a B.S. in Agriculture from Cornell University. Dr. Johnson is a faculty member and Assistance Specialist within the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. His primary work is with the Indigenous Resiliency Center. Michael is also a co-author on the Indigenous Chapter in the National Climate Assessment Five. His newest initiative is the call for the Restoration of the American Indian Food System based on the stewardship principles of Indigenous conservation. Most importantly, he continues to practice Hopi dry farming, a practice of his people for millennia.

Additional Resources

We Are Water (WAW):

Water, critical and scarce in the Four Corners Region, connects local communities through our shared place and unique stories.

We are Water (WaW) brings a traveling exhibit and interactive programs to rural communities in the Four Corners Region of the U.S. and engages community members in conversations about their personal and community connections to local water topics. Libraries in rural areas, which often function as the local science center, will host the exhibit, programs, and STEM experiences in their communities.

Visit our website at WeareWater.Colorado.edu to view activities and hear recorded stories about water from people across the Four Corners Region.