Press Releases

Rep. Gosar Joins Effort to Save Sacred Hopi Artifacts

Washington, DC, December 12, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) announced that after meeting with Hopi Chairman Herman Honanie last week, he would help the Hopi retrieve its cultural artifacts now in Paris, France and set for imminent auction. The Hopi sought out the Congressman, and other members of the Arizona delegation, for assistance in intervening to try to stop the auctioning of culturally significant artifacts.

For Immediate Release
Date: December 12, 2014

Contact: Steven D. Smith
Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) announced that after meeting with Hopi Chairman Herman Honanie last week, he would help the Hopi retrieve its cultural artifacts now in Paris, France and set for imminent auction. The Hopi sought out the Congressman, and other members of the Arizona delegation, for assistance in intervening to try to stop the auctioning of culturally significant artifacts. Accordingly, Congressman Gosar, joined by other members, authored a letter to the U.S. State Department asking for a review of the pending auction.

“Hopi culture places great significance to certain items. Chairman Honanie personally explained to me how these artifacts are important to them culturally and religiously. He brought pictures of the items and explained the religious significance of each one. For such a compelling case of sacred property, I was more than happy to help and try to get the State Department to look at this matter and take action before the auction occurs.”

Additional

The signed letter to the U.S. State Department can be found HERE.

###