Native Warrior Run 2009 is upon us...

And so the sacred journey begins...

On May 11th, 2009, the Native Warrior Run will begin its trek to Washington, D. C. This event will feature many stops through various Native Communities through this great country. This Run has been instrumental in bringing long overdue recognition to our Native American Veterans of the Vietnam Era. With it comes a healing process for Veterans, families and Communities and a time to recognize past events and memories that acknowledge the fact Native Americans are all a part of an American past, that has seen success and has felt failures.

This run is about neither loss or gain; it is about an appreciation for our communities' warriors, those who give unselfishly. It is about people who humbly gave of themselves; their time, their bodies, and their minds. Years have been given to protect America and what it stands for, their bodies have felt and may show what all they gave or lost and their minds will forever be with their time and service and experiences that many will never come to understand. It is during this time, that the participants of the Native Warrior Run, Veteran and supporter, acknowledge the Veteran and those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice.

During this Run, we credit our true community leaders, our Veterans, as they have demonstrated the greatest of all civil service duties: service above self.

The Native Warrior Run will begin its trek in Arizona, but it must forever run in the hearts and minds of all our communities...we must never forget.

The Run will continue its journey through the Gila River, Salt River, San Carlos and White Mountain Indian communities before it heads to New Mexico, Oklahoma and Tennessee and finally to Washington, D.C.

The Vietnam War:

It was the longest war in American history and the most unpopular American war of the twentieth century. It resulted in nearly 60,000 American deaths. During the Vietnam War, close to 90% of the 86,000 American Indians who enlisted volunteered, giving Native Americans the highest record of service per capita of any ethnic group. Over half served in combat.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

NABI Chasing the Sun Powwow

May 2, 2009 was the inaugural Chasing the Sun Powwow, held in conjunction with the Native American Basketball Invitational, (NABI). NABI has been held annually and is a showcase for young Native American basketball players from throughout Indian Country. Over the years NABI has drawn many major sponsors and has been a show of great encouragement to our Native youth through the sport of basketball. Each year, the event seems to get bigger and bigger.

This year, Native motorcycle riders came together to support the youth through a show of honor as they rode from the Gila River Indian Community to the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. The ride of honor included members of the Rez Riders, Hemajkam Riders, Red Mountain Riders and the American Legion Riders as well as other riders who support the youth and positive activities within Native communities.

The honor ride to the stadium was capped with the procession of riders becoming part of the Grand Entry of the powwow. Many thanks go to all the riders who participated that day, it was a great ride and was a great event to attend. We look forward to watching this grow as an annual event with the powwow.

Family Advocate Center Donation Presentation

Today, Coolidge Mayor Tom Shope, members of the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce, the Brothers From The Rez, Gila River Police Department Motor Officer Wilcox and Sgt. Tanokeowma were on hand as donations from the Coolidge Cotton Days Run to the Ruins, held on March 07, 2009, were presented. The proceeds raised from the Run and a donation from the Law Tigers was presented to Mr. James Walsh, Pinal County Attorney, who accepted on behalf of the Pinal County Family Advocate Center.

The Run was has been organized in conjunction with the Coolidge Cotton Days by the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce. This year, the Brothers From The Rez participated and volunteer their time to provide help with the Run. Members from the Gila River Police Department Motor Unit played a major role in escorting and navigating the motorcycle run through Pinal County and worked extra hard to ensure that the Run was as safe as could be.

Overall, it was the efforts of all the Run participants who helped make the Run a success because in the end the donations were presented to a worthy cause. Thank you for all who participated and we all look forward to next years Run!! See you there!!

Updates, Updates!!!

Say folks, been slackin here for a bit, my apologies. We have quite a few events to catch up on...so hang on and we'll get 'em out here soon enough!!

Thanks for your support!