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KUYI's Story
What is KUYI ?
"Kuuyi" (pronounced KUU-yii) is Hopi for "water". Water is life and as such, KUYI is an integral part of life on the Hopi reservation. Hopi Radio provides a new way of Hopi storytelling, an age-old tradition. National news is broadcast, and how it affects us is interpreted and debated. Hopi Radio provides entertainment and exposure to other cultures through music and ideas. Through Hopi Radio, we reaffirm our respect for tradition by preserving our language and culture in a contemporary context. KUYI also helps strengthen our community by providing local news, weather, and information about events through our Community Calendar.
The History of KUYI
On December 20th, the Winter Solstice of 2000, KUYI made its on-air debut after five years of hard work by Hopi volunteers and leaders. On the day of its grand opening, hundreds of people attended the celebration. Every major institution on the Hopi Reservation called in. Reports of KUYI's signal range were reported from Winslow and Flagstaff, Arizona and from our neighboring Navajo communities. For one hour, KUYI linked by satellite to reach Alaska, Florida, California and the Lakota Nation. ​ Several Native radio professionals came from across the country to train local Hopi people in the art of on-air broadcasting, programming and radio administration. It was quite a memorable time. ​ Ten Years later June 21, 2010 KUYI Hopi Radio went live online through the streaming portal. Jimmie "Jimbo" Lucero's legendary morning cry greeted listeners worldwide as Randall Mahle took the helm of our Taatawi traditional music programming. ​ Finally, on January 29, 2017 KUYI launched 89.1 LP based in Moenkopi villages, both Upper and Lower. With this, KUYI has fulfilled its mission to reach all Hopi villages. ​ All KUYI and The Hopi Foundation licensee appreciate all our supporters, staff, volunteers and listeners over the years whose hard work and dedication brought us to this historic moment.
KUYI's Mission & Vision
The real work has only just begun. Run by a small station staff and many volunteers, KUYI not only provides a window on the world through its affiliations with Native Voice One and NPR, but also broadcasts a wide, eclectic variety of music. Serving the Hopi Reservation, Flagstaff, Tuba City, Winslow and the I-40 corridor, KUYI strives to appeal to a broad based audience, while also serving the needs of our community by providing news, timely information, and cultural & language programming.