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On May 6th 2008 the participants from the "Longest Walk 2" joined the Iowa Nation across Iowa territory. The walkers reached Perkins on May 6th and camped over-night at the Chena building where tribal members prepared and served a meal befitting the walkers' long journey. The meal consisted of buffalo, corn and fry bread.
The tribe also hosted a sweat for the walkers, for those who wished to participate, during their stay at pow-wow grounds. The sweat was prepared by the McClellan family and run by Jeff McClellan. A diverse group of people participated in the sweat; there were walkers from Japan, England, Mexico, Cuba, Poland, the Navajo/Dine Nation and the Iowa Nation. During the sweat many filled the lodge with prayers and songs in the languages of their lands.
The following morning the tribe hosted a full breakfast before the walkers set out to continue their journey. The morning was gray and the rain was heavy, but the participants in the walk were not deterred and despite the overcast day the walkers' faces were all alight with smiles.
Members of the Iowa tribe accompanied the walkers across Iowa territory carrying the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Flag. During the walk passersby honked their horns and waved to show support, some participants sang and chanted while others beat drums to keep spirits up and to set the walkers' pace.
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It was truly an uplifting and educational experience and our prayers go out for the walkers and for their families.
Background Information About the Longest Walk 2
The Longest Walk 2 is a five month long trans-continental journey on foot from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC. The Longest Walk 2 marks the 30th anniversary of the first Longest Walk in 1978. Walkers departed the San Francisco Bay Area in February and are due to arrive in Washington, D.C. on July 11. There are two routes on the walk, a northern route and a southern route.
Native Americans and their allies, including a group of Buddhist monks from Japan are walking with a message to protect the environment & sacred sites. They are walking for cultural survival, youth empowerment and Native American rights. For more information about the Longest Walk 2 to: www.longestwalk.org
(*Information was taken from the Longest Walk website at www.longestwalk.org*)
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