Polacca, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Polacca, Arizona
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 Polacca, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Polacca, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Navajo |
| Tribal reservation | Hopi Reservation |
| Elevation | 5,811 ft (1,771 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| ZIP code |
86042
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| Area code(s) | 928 |
| GNIS feature ID | 9616 |
Polacca is a small community in northeastern Arizona, United States. It is located in Navajo County. This community is part of the Hopi-Tewa people's land on the Hopi Reservation.
Contents
About Polacca
Polacca is an unincorporated community. This means it is a place with a shared identity but no local government. It is found below the villages of First Mesa. In 2016, about 2,046 people lived in Polacca.
Economy and Jobs
Polacca has a few local businesses. There is one convenience store. You won't find hotels, restaurants, or gas stations here. Many people work for major local employers. Others are artists who sell their work to tourists, galleries, and online.
Local employers include:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Hopi Jr/Sr High School
- KUYI Radio
- The Hopi Tribe
- The Village of Sichomovi
- The Village of Tewa
- US Health and Human Services
Education in Polacca
Polacca has several schools for different age groups. These schools help students learn and grow.
Local schools include:
- Polacca Head Start
- First Mesa Elementary School
- Hopi Jr/Sr High School
- Northland Pioneer College
The Polacca Head Start Center helps keep the Hopi language alive. They have a radio project called "Shooting Stars Hopi Lavayi Radio Project." It broadcasts lessons for students in the First Mesa Dialect on KUYI, 88.1 FM.
Healthcare
Polacca has a healthcare center. It is called the Hopi Health Care Center. This facility is part of the Indian Health Service. It offers emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Geography of Polacca
Polacca is in northeastern Arizona. It sits on the Colorado Plateau. This area is known for its natural resources. These include coal, uranium, petroleum, and natural gas.
Polacca is located along Arizona State Route 264. It is about 7.5 miles (12.1 km) northeast of the Hopi Second Mesa. The community has its own post office with ZIP code 86042.
Nearby Attractions
There are many famous places to visit near Polacca. These natural wonders and parks attract many visitors.
Some famous places nearby include:
- The Grand Canyon
- Homolovi State Park
- Canyon de Chelly
- Antelope Canyon
- San Francisco Peaks
- Meteor Crater
History and Culture
Polacca got its name from Tom Polacca. He was the brother of Nampeyo, a very famous potter. Tom Polacca was a talented man. He spoke many languages, including Hopi, Tewa, Zuni, Spanish, and English. He was also known for his new ideas. Tom Polacca was the first businessman on the Hopi Reservation. He was also one of the first Hopi people to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Hopi Traditions and Daily Life
The residents of Polacca are members of the Hopi tribe. Their culture is rich in traditions. Farming and raising animals are important parts of their lives.
Farming and Food
Crops grown in Polacca include corn, lima beans, grapes, squash, apricots, watermelon, and peaches. Corn is very important and sacred to the Hopi people. Blue corn is used to make traditional foods like somiviki, piki, tortillas, and pancakes. Squash is also a key part of the Hopi diet. It has been used to make eating tools and musical instruments.
Raising Animals
People in Polacca also raise cattle, horses, chickens, goats, and sheep. Mutton (meat from sheep) is a very important food. It is eaten during special events. These include baby naming and wedding ceremonies.
Arts and Crafts
Residents of Polacca create beautiful arts and crafts. These include pottery, Kachina dolls, rattles, bows and arrows, baskets, jewelry, and oil paintings. Many talented artists come from Polacca.
Some notable artists from Polacca include:
- Anita Polacca
- Nolan Youvella
- Romona Ami
- Neil David Sr.
- Tawnya Mahle
- Lydia Huma Mahle
- Emerson Ami
- Dorothy Ami
- Karen Abeita
- Nampeyo
Images for kids
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Bridge near Polacca (1940s)
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Polaca Dam below junction of Wepo and Polacca washes (1950s)
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Camp in Polacca Canyon (1950s)
