Thomas Banyacya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Banyacya, Sr.
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| Born | June 2, 1909 |
| Died | February 6, 1999 (aged 89) Keams Canyon, Arizona, U.S.
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| Education | Bacone College |
| Occupation | Hopi traditional leader |
| Spouse(s) | Fermina Jenkins |
Thomas Banyacya, Sr. (June 2, 1909 – February 6, 1999) was an important Hopi Native American traditional leader. He was chosen by his elders to share ancient Hopi wisdom and predictions with people around the world.
Life Story
Thomas Banyacya was born on June 2, 1909. He grew up in a village called Moenkopi, Arizona. He belonged to the Wolf, Fox, and Coyote clans of the Hopi people.
He went to school at Sherman Indian School in Riverside, California. Later, he attended Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Thomas Banyacya lived in Kykotsmovi, Arizona. This village is on the Hopi Reservation.
Standing Up for Beliefs
During World War II, Thomas Banyacya refused to join the army. This was because of his strong Hopi beliefs. He spent about seven years in prison for refusing to register for the draft.
In 1948, something very important happened. After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, Hopi elders felt it was time to share their ancient knowledge. They chose four Hopi men to tell the world about their traditions and prophecies. Thomas Banyacya was one of these four men. The others were David Monongye, Dan Evehema, and Dan Katchongva. They believed these messages were vital for the future of all people.
Thomas Banyacya passed away on February 6, 1999, in Keams Canyon, Arizona. He was married to Fermina (née Jenkins).
See also
