Hopi Bahais

Elizabeth Dahe with photo of her teaching trip to Mongolia and Siberia presented to her by NABI (Native American Baha’i Institute)

Elizabeth Dahe (Daw-hee) the first Hopi Nation Baha’i declared around 1961

Navajo-Hopi Baha’i Newsletter March 2006 - Vol 1 issue 2:

“Mrs. Dahe was the first of the Hopi Nation to affirm the revelation of Baha’u’llah, making her a hallmark of the Faith. We are proud to celebrate the life of Mrs. Dahe and remember her dedication to the cause of Baha’u’llah.”

“She was drawn to Baha’u’llah’s vision of world peace and global justice. Mrs. Dahe lived a life dedicated to serving humanity through community activism, and focused substantial attention on children and youth. In celebration of her unique station, NABI (Native American Baha’i Institute) hosted a celebration in remembrance of her life.”

Navajo-Hopi Baha’i Newsletter August 2002
Excerpts from “Fellowship” by Jacque Bohner:

“One of the challenges facing Baha’is today- is how to water seeds of fellowship different people have planted over the years, in order to make us feel the oneness of humanity and share that feeling with everyone we know. “

“One steadfast source of nurturing water to those of us in Arizona is Elizabeth Dahe. She has planted and watered many seeds of fellowship and service. “

“I got to reminisce with her about our trip to New York together for the Baha’i World Congress in 1992. We not only remember the wonder of the event that we shared together, but the silly things, like Elizabeth getting hooked on gyro sandwiches from the street vendors in New York. Her favorite ice cream was vanilla then, but on Sunday she had strawberry ice cream for desert. No one is completely predictable, especially Elizabeth!”

Baha’i International News Service, No. 324, 15 September 1994
Hopi Elders Gather to Hear the Message of Bahá'u'lláh
Kevin Locke, an American Indian believer and Auxiliary Board member, spoke about Bahá'u'lláh to a gathering of approximately 100 Hopi elders in Arizona.

"He [Kevin Locke] spoke to them very directly about Bahá'u'lláh's coming and His Message", relates the report. "He was very well received and invited back, and invited to work with the youth and children."

This meeting was unique because the Hopi elders rarely gather, apart from their own village ceremonies where only a few live in each village. Elizabeth Dahe, a long-time Bahá'í and Hopi elder, invited the other elders to gather and meet Mr. Locke. "She drew on her life-long friendships and her own status as an elder, saying to Kevin, `I realized that if I don't do these things now, there won't be time later on."

General information on the Hopi Nation

The Hopi Tribe is a sovereign nation located in northeastern Arizona. The reservation occupies part of Coconino and Navajo counties, encompasses more than 1.5 million acres, and is made up of 12 villages on three mesas.

Since time immemorial the Hopi people have lived in Hopituskwa and have maintained our sacred covenant with Maasaw, the ancient caretaker of the earth, to live as peaceful and humble farmers respectful of the land and its resources. Over the centuries we have survived as a tribe, and to this day have managed to retain our culture, language and religion despite influences from the outside world.