|
Monday, March 10th - Apple Valley to Peach Creek |
|
This morning we were greeted by many members of the Hualapai (the name means People of the Tall pines) Nation as they joined us for breakfast and to offer a short history of their nation and a blessing for our day. Loretta Jackson introduced their elder and spiritual leader, Emmett Bender and then told us about her people.
In 1860 the U.S. Calvary came to the Hualapai Nation and came upon a family harvesting fruits and grasses. Though they had never seen white people before, they were not scared. However, the soldiers killed the entire family except for one girl who escaped and told the rest of her people. During the following Hualapia Wars, the U.S. Cavalry slaughtered whole families and force marched the survivors to the desert at Fort La Paz in 1874. All of the Chiefs were also killed, including the Head Chief, Huaba Uma (SPELLING CHECK). Only about 200 people survived the masssacre and were barricaded in an internment camp. As these were mountain people and not accustomed to the desert temperatures, many died as a result.
About 4 years ago a monument was erected to remember this period in Hualapai History.
Before Emmett spoke, Loretta let us know that he had been praying and singing songs for the physical and spiritual safety of all the walkers (Emmett shook his rattle in response). Emmett was then introduced to Dennis (“Oh, you must have a lot of money!” Emmett said and got a hearty laugh from the crowd in response); said a few words and sang a song for us. We shook hands with one another in greeting and then had our blessing for the day.
We appreciate the generosity and time of the Hualapai – who are also supporting our runners and walkers today!
You know, normally I am with the walkers, but today I'm a support vehicle drivers. While I love walking, it takes many people outside of the actual walking to make sure everything continues smoothly. And we try to spread out the various tasks, so that everyone gets a chance to walk!
I waited with Nathan and Henry (they were in the RV – the bathroom vehicle!) at the first rest stop; and soon enough I heard the sound of the drums before actually seeing the walkers. Then the Eagle Staff and other flags appeared and here was our little marching mass!. It was kind of cool to see the walk from that perspective!
At the break I asked Wade how the first 3 miles went for him: “Magical. I've been off 6 days for healing and I feel really, really good and revived today. I've had good medicine the past few days.” Glad to have you back walking, Wade!
At the second rest stop the walkers were shuttled to the site where the Hualapia peoples were forced into the interment camp. The remains of crumbling walk walls are still visible. Walkers went through the gates, offering prayers and tobacco as they went. The energy of this place is palpable and we appreciate Loretta's telling of the stories so that we can more appreciate the gravity of where we are walking. Hearing these stories as we walk centers our prayers for healing and continued strength of the Nations we pass through.
 |
Kathy