KUYI Hopi Radio: Celebrating 25 Years of Community and Connection

by Kyler Edsitty

Photo courtesy of KUYI Radio

Kykotsmovi, Arizona — KUYI Hopi Radio celebrates its long-standing role as the Hopi people’s trusted information hub, community voice, and cultural connection. From its early beginnings to today, the Hopi and Tewa people operate and sustain KUYI, the people it serves. As KUYI marks another milestone, the station calls on listeners and supporters to help raise its annual goal of $234,000. Donations can be made at KUYI.net.

Fundraising: A Community Effort from the Start

KUYI exists because the Hopi community believed in it. In 1996, the Hopi Foundation accepted a community request to serve as the legal entity for KUYI’s grant applications. With leadership from then, Executive Director Barbara Poley and Associate Director Loris Taylor, the Foundation secured a $37,176 planning grant and a $390,517 construction grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Meeting the required 25% community match of $98,000 was no small task. The Lannan Foundation stepped forward with critical support just two weeks before the deadline, making KUYI’s construction possible.

The early years of fundraising required persistence and creativity. The Hopi Foundation and KUYI raised funds with help from the Lannan Foundation, the Benton Foundation, All Tribes Foundation, Walton Foundation, Pulliam Trust, Heron Foundation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, NTIA/PTFP, and countless community members. Even food sales, volunteer hours, and grassroots efforts helped sustain KUYI. That same spirit of giving continues today. Taylor recalls that when KUYI first went on the air, the electrical cost for a 100,000-watt station was $15,000 per month.

Radio Operations: Built from Scratch

Under Loris Taylor’s leadership as KUYI’s first General Manager, the station underwent its construction phase to secure its radio license from the Federal Communications Commission. Early staff members and volunteers worked tirelessly to build systems for compliance, finances, and reporting. Engineers such as Mike Woodworth and the late Gary Woodworth helped erect KUYI’s first tower. KUYI also established the first Radio Class at the Hopi Junior High School, connecting the class directly to the station using microwave technology.

Consultants like Mel Sather and Charles Sather from Anchorage, Alaska, provided engineering expertise during the construction phase. Brother engineers Gary and Mike Woodworth became station regulars soon after. Doug Mitchell provided production guidance and equipment training. Financial staff, led by Angie Harris, navigated complex government reimbursement systems to keep KUYI’s budget whole.

Today, KUYI operates on an annual CPB grant of $233,603, supplemented by community fundraising. Dedicated staff and volunteers keep the station running 24 hours a day, ensuring Hopi voices are always on the air.

DJs and On-Air Personalities: Voices of Hopi Radio

KUYI’s heartbeat has always been its people. Early DJs such as Jennifer Joseph, EJ the DJ, Clark Tenakhongva, Bruce Talawyma, Abel Nash, Karen Abeita, Randall Mahle, Tim Nuvangyouma, Todd Honyouma, Katherine Sahmie, Wallace “Nat’o” Hyeoma, Aggie Setalla, Burt Poley, Romalita Laban, Cara Dukepoo, and Steve Dewakuku helped shape the sound of Hopi Radio.

Community voices like Jimbo from Hotevilla gave KUYI its iconic “Morning Cry,” which started the station’s programming while Hopi artist Neil David Sr. designed the station’s logo. Over time, KUYI has welcomed generations of local DJs and volunteers who bring music, language, humor, and information to the airwaves.

Community Engagement: Rooted in Hopi Collaboration

KUYI was one of the most extensive community collaborations in Hopi history. Advisors like Emory Sekaquaptewa and the Hopi Cultural Resource Advisory Team guided KUYI’s programming, ensuring that broadcasts reflected Hopi culture and values. Community members cooked meals for volunteers, donated time, and trained the first cohorts of DJs.

Special programs like House Calls with Dr. John Tveten and Shooting Stars, produced specifically for grade school students, the Babes Program with Phyllis Torivio, Hopi Farm Talk, and local political forums moderated by Patty Talahongva made KUYI more than just a music station; it became the people’s safety hub and cultural lifeline.

In more recent times, during COVID-19, KUYI provided essential information on hospital processes, resources, and safety measures. Long before that, KUYI became the go-to source for weather alerts, wildfire updates, school closures, and community announcements.

Hopi Programming: At the Center of the Universe

From the beginning, the Hopi people designed KUYI’s programming with Hopi culture at the core. The day began with the “Morning Cry,” the customary call inviting Hopis to listen, followed by Hopi traditional music before moving into a mix of national, mainstream, and global programming. By evening, KUYI opens space for diverse music, stories, and community expression.

This approach reflects the Hopi worldview of balance and inclusion, ensuring that KUYI serves all listeners while centering Hopi traditions.

Why KUYI Needs Support Today

KUYI remains a 24/7 operation powered by staff, volunteers, and the generosity of its listeners. Just as the Hopi community built KUYI through collaboration and sacrifice, its future depends on the same spirit of giving.

“KUYI is more than a radio station, it is the Hopi people’s safety net, cultural archive, and trusted voice,” said Loris Taylor, KUYI’s first General Manager, who still thinks of KUYI as her baby. “We invite everyone to give today and ensure KUYI continues to serve future generations.”

About KUYI Hopi Radio

Listeners can tune in, honor KUYI’s history, and help secure its future by donating at KUYI.net.

KUYI 88.1 FM is the community radio station of the Hopi Tribe, licensed to the Hopi Foundation. Since going on the air in 2000, KUYI has served as a vital information hub, cultural voice, and source of connection for Hopi and surrounding communities. KUYI is sustained by grants, sponsors, and the everyday support of its listeners.