1941: Hopis argue for conscientious objector status

Hopi elders choose Thomas Banyacya to be their “tongue and ears” and to warn the world of impending doom. He is imprisoned for seven years for refusing the military draft on the grounds that Hopi principles forbid the bearing of arms. He helps secure conscientious objector status for the Hopi Indians in 1953.

“The true Hopi people know how to fight without killing or hurting.” —Thomas Banyacya, Hopi, (b. 1910–d. 1999)

Theme

Native Rights

Region

Southwest