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Crownpoint, NM – More than 150 walkers on the Longest Walk 2 arrive in Crownpoint today after spending two days at Chaco Rio. The Longest Walk 2, which began February 11th on Alcatraz Island, is crossing the U.S. to call attention to Native American rights and the urgent need for environmental protection. It marks the 30th anniversary of the original Longest Walk of 1978 that resulted in historic changes for Native Americans.
 The Southern Route, now in New Mexico, is one of two routes that will meet in Washington DC in July, 2008. Both routes will cover more than 8,000 miles to deliver Native concerns to Congress. “Upon our arrival, we will deliver a resolution to elected officials,” says Dennis Banks, organizer of the Southern Route. “This resolution will document the struggles and concerns from each indigenous community that we encounter during our walk. Our intention is to give a greater voice to the environmental and indigenous struggles that our government doesn’t often acknowledge.”
The 1978 Longest Walk culminated with thousands converging on Washington, D.C. in an effort that defeated 11 pieces of legislation that would have abrogated Native American treaties. As a result, Congress passed the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
Yesterday, the Longest Walk 2 toured the proposed Desert Rock power plant site. “Those of us who are fighting against the Desert Rock energy project are proud to stand in solidarity with the Longest Walk 2 walkers,” said Elouise Brown, President of Dooda Desert Rock organization and Treasurer of Hada’asidi (The Vigilant Ones).
Scheduled New Mexico Events
Tuesday, April 8th and Wednesday, April 9th - Crownpoint, NM
Panel discussions at Navajo Technical College (Lowerpoint Road State Hwy 371), featuring Dennis Banks, Eastern Navajo Dine Against Uranium Mining, Multi-Cultural Alliance for Safe Environment, Sierra Club, and others.
Thursday, April 11th – Albuquerque, NM
4 PM - Rally and community BBQ at Civic Plaza (3rd and Tijeras NW), hosted by Frank Adaki, featuring walkers from the Longest Walk 2, Dennis Banks, Norman Ration (NIYC), and Leona Morgan. Performances by One Foundation, Plateros, and others until 9 PM.
Sunday, April 13th – Ohkay Owingeh
Community celebration and welcoming of walkers
Tuesday, April 15th – Taos, NM
4 PM Welcoming ceremony and rally at town plaza with Mayor Bobby Duran, UNM professor Larry Torres, Dennis Banks, 1978 veteran walker Susan Suazo, Reverend Yesin Yamato, representatives from Taos Pueblo and the New Mexico State government (to be confirmed).
The Longest Walk 2 will leave New Mexico at Clayton on April 22st. For a complete itinerary, please visit: www.longestwalk.org. |
