Community Supports Youth By Participating in Run/Walkathon

The Run/Walkathon benefiting the group of Akwesasne youth attending the Gathering of Condolence, Strength and Peace, took place on Sunday May 20th. With temperatures approaching 90 degrees, it was well over 70 degrees at 9 A.M. The event was organized by Karakwenta Lazore and Teiosakentison Elijah, with the aim of sending their group to Minnesota to take part in the Gathering. Just the day before, On Saturday, the 19th, their group held a benefit chicken barbeque at Mohawk Printing, and Karakwenta was pleased to say that they sold out, which was great!

Pledges came from the community and family, to raise funds for the Gathering, which runs from 18th through the 23rd of June. Taylor Horn-Burns said that she had “got there a little late after walking from home, but had gotten a ride from her uncle.” She also had pledges of up to 2 dollars a mile.

Ricardo Najar, a Lakota, said, “We are running for ourselves, to stay healthy and of the good mind.” When I met Ricardo, he was running barefoot, and “wanted to feel the earth beneath his feet.” Driving truck all the time, he doesn’t get the opportunity as often as he would like, or even as often as he used to. Ricardo said that he has always run long distances in places such as Utah, South Dakota, Upstate NY, and down the east coast; over highways and through cities. Ricardo was an interesting gentleman, and showed what a dedicated person can do. His efforts are especially noteworthy because they benefit our youth. Nia:wen Kowa to everyone who participated and good luck.