Michael Kotutwa Johnson represents the 250th generation of his Hopi ancestors who have farmed their homelands for at least 3,000 years. "You're not only planting seeds, but you're planting yourself. You're also planting the next generation, too," Johnson says. "I think that's the thing that people tend to forget – it's not about raising plants, it's about raising people." As the university recognizes November as Native American Heritage Month, Johnson, an assistant specialist in Indigenous resilience within the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, explains how he helps tribal nations address challenges related to water, energy and food systems. 

Producer/Photographer/Editor: Arlene Islas 

Aerial Photography: Kyle Mittan, Arlene Islas.