In August 2014, Red Feather returned to the Village of Hotevilla on the Hopi Reservation to partner with the Sekayumptewa family to build a post and beam, straw bale home that represents the "next generation" of Red Feather's energy-efficient, affordable, sustainable homes.  In October of 2013, Red Feather hosted the first phase of a community “design charrette” on the Hopi Reservation for the purpose of developing plans for the next generation of our super energy efficient and affordable straw bale homes. The charrette provided a forum for existing homeowners, community members, and other tribal stakeholders to share their ideas for integrating culturally significant design elements into the new home. Participants also discussed lessons learned from previous Red Feather builds and other construction projects on the reservation, as well as new collaborative opportunities that would support traditional Hopi lifeways.  The new design:

• Integrates traditional building materials such as locally quarried stone for wall decoration, clay for earthen floors and walls, and wood “vigas” (beams for roofing structures).
• Has an open floor plans that integrates dining, living, and kitchen space where family and friends can gather during cultural events and holidays.
• Has an east-facing entryway -- which was highlighted as a culturally significant design feature, as well as a technique of capturing the morning winter sun to passively heat and light living spaces.

Hubert Sekayumptewa has worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 27 years, and he and his family currently live in rented government employee housing.   But, when Mr. Sekayumptewa retired, the Sekayumptewa family (including his wife, daughter, and two grandchildren) did not have a place to live.   Red Feather  partnered with the Sekayumptewa family to build their new home! While in Hotevilla, volunteers learned about ancient Hopi traditions and culture and experience the concept of "na'ya" (coming together to work toward one goal).

On Friday, June 25th, Albert McManus and Clara One Feather and their two children walked in to their new, beautiful, straw bale home nestled in a gentle valley of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. It's a home they actively participated in building with the help of many volunteers and Red Feather member support. Beyond completing their "sweat equity" hours, both Albert and Clara were on the site each day, at times working late into the night to help keep the project on schedule. In addition, volunteers each week were treated to a Clara's world famous Indian tacos. As usual, the late spring weather was a challenge (including two nearby tornadoes), but Red Feather staff and the spirit of volunteerism prevailed! Congratulations to the McManus/One Feather family on their new home and heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and supporters who make the project a great success!

This year, Red Feather partnered with the Limberhand family (Joe Limberhand, Virginia Williams, and their two girls, Betty Ann and Johanna) to build a fantastic new straw bale home to replace their 45-year-old trailer. Nestled in a secluded spot in the Muddy Creek area of the Northern Cheyenne reservation, we felt very fortunate to be able to spend time there this summer. On Friday, June 15, 2012, volunteers started arriving for the first "official" week of the build.  Work had actually already been underway for about a week as staff prepared the camp and oversaw the preparation of the foundation.  Joe, Virginia, Betty Ann and Johanna Limberhand and their extended family welcomed the first week of volunteers with a performance by Joe's drum circle and a prayer delivered by a Cheyenne elder. His message to the group was this -- as we build this house with the Limberhands, each of our thoughts and emotions will leave an imprint that will become a part of their home. We were reminded to be kind to one another as we worked and lived together, and to be kind to the beautiful land where we were so fortunate to be spending the next few weeks.
In August, Mark and Marilynn (Red Feather construction staff) and Straw Bale Construction Interns returned to finish the interior of the home in time for the arrival of the new addition to the Limberhand family -- a little girl born September 27th. As you can see, the home turned out beautifully! Many of you reading this message shared a role in making this dream a reality for the Limberhands. Please continue to send good thoughts their way.

Work is complete on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation to build a home for Kimberly Spang, her partner Floris Medicine Bull, and their three children. Prior to moving into their Red Feather home,the Spang-Medicine Bull family resided in a two-bedroom house, which had become pretty cramped for their growing children. Kimberly, who works full-time at the Northern Cheyenne Natural Resource Department, prepared tenaciously to become a homeowner, and both she and Floris played key roles in the construction of their new home. In addition to stacking bales and pounding nails, the couple generously organized several cultural presentations for build volunteers and made home-cooked meals to share under the dining tent on Friday nights. Red Feather was delighted to partner with the Spang-Medicine Bull family, and welcome them into their new home!