My friend Graywolf asked me to write a message about why The Longest Walk 2008 is so important, and why people need to pay attention. I am glad to do anything I can to help. Considering how I might relate my viewpoint, I remembered a particular incident that might illustrate how even the most educated people think they know a lot about the world and humanity, but fail to connect emotionally or with compassion. It can be surprising how resilient the outworn and destructive attitudes are that we carry forward with us. 

I was having lunch many years ago with a friend I had not seen in a great length of time. He had grown into a self-assured, confident young man who obviously was well-educated and on his way to many great accomplishments. Having just finished a Bachelor’s degree at a very expensive and competitive establishment, he was about to embark on a world vacation before settling into his work at an even more competitive graduate school. His parents had bought him a gorgeous car for his graduation; they had paid for his education thus far and would continue to finance his schooling. They were sending him on a spectacular trip to many countries on one side of the world, having sent him many places in the other hemisphere the summer before. He was a person of good humor, sweet-natured; extremely intelligent and intellectually nourished.  

I was happy to see my old friend, and happy for his progress and good fortune. The conversation meandered through back stories and memories, and evolved into a discussion of some world events and news. One recurring theme was the horrible straits many people were in and the difficulties facing people who were poverty stricken and bereft of opportunities. I made mention of people who were trying to survive such issues here in America. I don’t remember what topic we were on directly, but he leaned back comfortably in the restaurant booth like a sated cat in sunshine, and said, “Ultimately, it doesn’t have to matter to me. My opinion will always be the one that counts the most because I am a white male between the ages of 18-49; my demographic is the most prized and most important.” 

I thought, at first, he meant it as a joke. Coming as it did in the conversation, I took it as a bit of wry sarcasm and laughed. And then I took a closer look at him. It was clear that he did, in a fashion, mean to be humorous. And yet, while a laugh is appreciated, he clearly meant what he was saying. He was extremely well-versed in economic, business, and political discourses. He knew any research would more or less back him up. 

I watched my young friend from my side of the booth. I thought about the great conversations we had had, about how he was blessed with an abundance of opportunities few people I knew ever had access to. I wished his travels had expanded his outlook, encouraged empathy. I would not ever wish to vilify my friend. In fact, I use this memory as an example that there is still a variety of entrenched attitudes that are not proffered as wry attempts at humor. These attitudes have a very real impact on human lives. Especially because so many people fail to recognize these attitudes within themselves and their actions. 

Most people realize the history of the United States is filled with holes, and is often lacking perspective. It is from a certain viewpoint, generally, which does not take into account the feelings or perspectives of those other than that particular demographic of white males of a certain age. Those demographics have lead to a formerly often overused and ridiculous expression, “Hey, I can do whatever I want. I am free, white, and over 21.” One key component missing in that is the word “male,” which I used to hear included until more women started uttering the abominable phrase.  

On the surface, the phrase would anger many. But there are clues in the expression that should be dissected and weighed carefully for not just its historical basis, but its current implications. It is a good starting point to try to open a dialogue with those who might listen to why The Longest Walk 2008 is important, or why we should care what other perspectives and experiences can impart to us. 

When I mention that history is not being properly taught to students, I also want to emphatically state that the ramifications of history are real and lasting, and continue to shape the lives and opportunities of several demographics. 

The Longest Walk 2008 is a 30-year anniversary commemoration of the original Longest Walk. Their website states “We walk to promote harmony with the Earth. We walk for the Seventh Generation, for our youth, for peace, for justice, for healing of Mother Earth, for the healing of our people suffering from diabetes, heart conditions, alcoholism, drug addiction, and other diseases. We walk with the message: All Life is Sacred, Save Mother Earth.” 

The kickoff was at Alcatraz, in San Francisco. Some of my friends posed beneath a sign that stated “500 years of genocide, and we are still here.” I know there are many Americans out there who would roll their eyes and wonder ‘why people can’t just get over the past. It happened, it’s done, get over it. We live in a land of opportunity, now stop whining and make something of yourself!’

I can only hope that people are capable of doing a few things my young friend was not doing that day. First, they need to realize that intellectual detachment from history and the present will not assuage human suffering, or the deterioration of Sacred Sites and of the planet as a whole.  

Secondly, The Longest Walk 2008 is no exercise in whining or dwelling on the past. The events that have happened historically are still resonating today. The extreme prejudice that many of my friends, such as Brenda Everett and her family, deal with on a continual basis are heartbreaking. Her youngest son is bullied ferociously by other students at his school in Canada. Adults working at the school tell his mother that they know the reason it happens is because he is “the wrong color.” They will not intervene because it might jeopardize their jobs. But they don’t seem to disagree with the bullies, either.  

Many times Brenda has spoken about the hurt and injustice she and her family have endured, as well as many people she knows. Her sincerest wish is that she and her People come to be regarded as actual human beings, with feelings and rights. Many of the taunts and insults leveled are the same ones used to justify the ethnic cleansings of the past. It is not just that history is not respected; the People are not respected either. It is a complex matter with a simple solution; things need to change, right now. The first tenet is one that would be familiar to many of the taunters. “All life is Sacred” is not that different than “Love thy neighbor.” 

Education is key. How many people realize that fundraisers are necessary every winter in order to raise money to buy blankets and wood so that American citizens who live on reservations will not freeze to death over winter? The extreme level of poverty and lack of opportunities binds people into vicious cycles and deflated hopes. It is hard for most anyone who has never been near a reservation, or had to live on one, to understand what it can truly be like. But does anyone want to listen? No one can be blamed simply for lack of knowledge. But lack of interest and compassion is different, and should carry with it a heavy conscience… and hopefully spur people into a desire to help. The first thing I would suggest is the sincere effort to recognize that disrespecting people based on anything like their skin color, heritage or birth place, really is not a part of distant history. It is happening now, and should be considered an affront to all people. 

As Graywolf says, “The ‘Longest Walk’ to me is a way to let people know about what is happening to our people and to the earth we live on-- it is a way to educate people of what is happening today. It felt great to be part of such a historic and important event-- a chance to stand with other people who fight for Native and environmental issues. I wish people would see the importance of standing up for our rights and to see that if we don't address environmental issues, we are all doomed. If we do not address the Native issues, our people are doomed!” 

Graywolf appears in many pictures with Moses and Dedric, who wear hats with feathers. Graywolf explains, “The berets are worn by the members of the Strongheart Society, which Moses and Dedric are both members of. The feathers are of the Hawk and Eagle who are the messengers of the Creator-- hopefully they will take our prayers for our people to the Creator.”