Howard Dennis Jr., Hopi leader

Howard lives in Arizona at Second Mesa on the ancestral homelands of the Hopi Tribe. His birth name is Bahoyouma, which means “water running on Mother Earth.” Howard is a religious leader, a Flute Chief, and a clan leader from the village of Mishognonvi. The Hopi are the original caretakers and first users of the Colorado River. Howard represents an emergent organization called Native Waters Rising, which seeks to protect the aquifers and watersheds of the Little Colorado River. He is also a board member of Black Mesa Trust and an advisor to the Waterkeeper Alliance. 

Howard has made significant contributions to his community and the environment through his work with Black Mesa Trust and Native Waters Rising. During his active involvement, Black Mesa Trust received the prestigious Water and Heritage Shield from the International Scientific Committee and played a crucial role in the closure of the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Navajo Generating Station, and Mojave Generating Station. Through Native Waters Rising, he has successfully restored two springs on Mishongnovi Village lands and plans to restore two more. Howard is passionate about educating the younger generation on the importance of water, land, and Hopi culture. He also actively collaborates with local organizations and government agencies to combat global warming.