Himdag at TOCC

Valuing the Tohono O’odham Himdag

As a community college closely associated with the Tohono O’odham Nation, TOCC encourages the growth of students’ cultural knowledge and takes steps to transmit learning in a way that respects the Tohono O’odham Himdag.

The TOCC Himdag Requirement Policy

In addition to program requirements, TOCC has a Tohono O’odham Himdag requirement for graduation from any program of study. All students must take two Tohono O’odham culture classes: HIS 122 and THO 101 or THO 106. A Tohono O’odham language instructor may be the best person to assess whether the introductory class (THO 101) or the conversational class (THO 106) is appropriate for you.

Depending upon the program of study, it may make sense to complete the TOCC Culture requirement with THO 101 or THO 106. Generally, AAS degree-seeking students can quickly fulfill requirements by taking THO 106, while a transfer degree may fulfill different general education requirements with THO 101 than with THO 106.

TOCC students take HIS 122 to fulfill the TOCC Culture requirement, and the class can also meet one of the Arizona general education categorical requirements. For example, HIS 122 is listed in the Humanities list, the Social and Behavioral Sciences list, and the International and Multicultural Studies part of the Other Requirements list. HIS 122 also meets all three special general education requirements and can be taken once to fulfill all three (I, G, C).

What is Himdag?

The Tohono O’odham Himdag consists of the culture, way of life, and values that are uniquely held and displayed by the Tohono O’odham. Himdag incorporates everything in life that makes us unique as individuals and as a people. It is a lifelong journey. The following are elements of Himdag:

  • Arts (basketry, contemporary and traditional music, etc.)
  • Beliefs
  • Community (Tohono O’odham Community College, Tohono O’odham Nation, Family)
  • Games
  • Harvesting, traditional foods, and hunting
  • Language (incorporates songs and ceremonies)
  • Land, environment, seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall), and elements (earth, air, fire, wind)
  • Medicinal plants
  • Mobility (walking, running, horses, and wagons)
  • Past, future, a journey in life
  • Relatives (Ak-Chin, Akimel, and Hia Ced O’odham, kinship)
  • Songs
  • Storytelling
  • Spirituality/Religion (healing, curing, and traditional songs)
  • Sensitivity
  • Values (respect)

 O’odham Seasonal Calendar

Himdag events at the college represent the O’odham lifestyle which follows the seasons. Various classes (both existing and in development) will revolve around instruction based on the time of season and the materials available. For example, certain desert foods are harvested only during the right seasons. The diagram included on this page best exemplifies this seasonal calendar.

 

seasonal calendar