Lessons From Hu'ul Ke:li

This bilingual, Tohono Oodham/English book by Husi Cazares (enrolled member) and his wife Kerrie Ann offers an in-depth exploration of traditional knowledge and cultural insights. This resource provides expert guidance rooted in authentic teachings, designed to deepen understanding and foster meaningful connection with heritage. Ideal for those committed to preserving and honoring ancestral wisdom.

The book tells how a young boy is raised by his grandfather on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation in southern Arizona. The book denotes various aspects of O'odham himdag (culture) and begins with a simple question that the boy asks his Hu'ul Ke:li (Grandfather) with a culturally relevant answer as to why they do the things they do during the day. Various activities include waking up early in the morning and asking why they do so - to daily chores and activities such as tending horses, working in the garden, hauling water, and gathering food/medicine in the desert.

Husi has taught Tohono O’odham culture, history and language as well as courses in Native American history and culture at several Colleges and Universities. He holds a M.A. in Native American Studies from the University of Arizona and a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. Kerrie Ann Cázares grew up in Orland Park, Illinois. She received her Bachelor's degree in sociology at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. Together they write and illustrate books, language coloring books, and language materials for learning the O’odham language.