2020/08/01

29th Apache Run from Oak Flat to Mount Graham









Spirit of the mountain runners run since 29 years to help protect Mt. Graham ( Dzil Nchaa Sian) and Oak Flat has been a great spiritual journey full of blessings. Any sadness won't last long since the time has come to pass the blessings of running the staff and feathers to the Mountain, on to the younger generations (this kind of reminds me of when we all had to phase out of playing basketball and pass the ball one last time to the younger ones).

"Right now with covid-19 keeping us from gathering like we used to, all who can't be at the Mountain, your prayers and blessings go with the runners who are on this Journey. I'm going to end my thoughts with some words I recently found that Wendsler said about the 2001 Mt. Graham Sacred Run. These words fit right into what's happening in these current days 19 years later and prove to be timeless." said Apache Stronghold activist who run from 20 to 23 July.

"Each year we are granted the opportunity to breathe the life that Usen has given each of us from birth. For us it is a duty to hold that with the greatest respect as we live each day of our lives through our hearts, mind and body.
We all must realize the greatest gift we can give this world as Usen's children is to share with our children, as well as those who also touch our personal inner circle, the importance of life, creation, and faith. Many people ask, "Why do we have this run?" We believe that Usen has awakened us, through his spirit, from a century of confusion of who we are and why do we experience the hardships both on and off the reservation. By learning, we can appreciate and proudly lift our family roots to a level equal to that of a great civilization, whose purpose was to hold respect for all Usen's creations, which include each of us living today. In order for us to survive in today's world, we must teach our children to be strong with their identity of who they are and to know their family roots. We all are descended from great people and should have love for the land, all life, and freedom to exercise who we are, so that we can develop ourselves to prepare a life that can live on forever. Usen has created us for a purpose and now we must become more active than ever to ensure that the world is safe from the destruction of greed and abuse of power. We are proud people and with great spiritual beliefs blessed to us from the Creator. Our history holds the key to the future and we must prepare for what is yet to come. But we must be awake, so that we will recognize greed from those who prey on land, water, sciences and technology, which brings industrial developments which all point to financial power and control. So our work here continues to teach our children to know true history and their identity as well as their spiritual beliefs, which truly bring respect, honor and pride. Our children will certainly be ready for the future with visions and guides to a life that will certainly comfort us as we age into wisdom.
We would never be at this particular point in our struggle to save what we have left, if it was not for all the children who ran in the past and those currently running. We will never forget your commitment and sacrifice. For you are the ones who are making a difference and will lead us, as true leaders of our people. Our work must continue until we reach a day when our people as well as all the people are living in freedom to pray as they wish, because there is only one God who has blessed the whole world with the spirit of life." said Wendsler Nosie Sr. in 2001.

Spirit of the mountain runners are 15 miles to Pima. Sending prayers from Mt.Graham, Oak Flat, to Mauna Kea, and all the holy place that are being desecrated. The were at the Geronimo's monument. "Though we’re limited on runners due to this virus but our prayers our strong and carried us today making great time. Thank you to the District of Bylas for showing your support. People coming out to the roadside cheering and sharing kind words, donating water and snacks, and honking the horns, lifted our spirit. A’hiyee (thank you) to everyone".

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