This day began with a Sunrise Talking Circle in Buckeye AZ. We were joined in our circle by the silhouette of Brandi....a 5 year old victim of domestic violence.This tiny little girl was murdered by the boyfriend of her Mother. Her presence in our morning circle was both welcomed and disturbing at the same time. Our children are the most sacred gifts we have. How could this have happened to an innocent little girl? No child should suffer the terror and pain that this child endured. Grandparents are not supposed to be crying for their abused or murdered children and grand children. This is not a part of the cycle of life that Creator intended for us.

There was a young girl... named Ellie ... sitting in our circle. She's one of those young people with old spirits. She watched as our tears poured out for little Brandi... and then ... as she came by each of us seated in the circle... she looked so deeply into our eyes that you could not help but connect with her thoughts. It was as if her eyes spoke for the children.... "help us"..... just as the silhouette of Brandi speaks out for all the young victims of abuse and domestic violence.

The silhouettes are provided by the Silent Witness Program and this particular one was brought to us from Wyoming by Jim and Laurie Lee. Silent Witness... that says it all doesn't it. They cannot speak. We must speak for them!!

We took the Sacred Hoop and Brandi to the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.... and were joined on the lawn and courtyard between the buildings by about 250 supporters. There were many good speakers. Sally Gonzales (House of Rep) Harriet Barnes (Director of Governor's Office of Domestic Violence Prevention) Don Coyhis (White Bison Inc) Corey Hayes (Salt River Youth Program) Lola Pepion Allison (from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs office) and Socorro Hernandez Benasconi. There was a tape recording of a 911 call from a 6 year old child that was played. It was a very warm day in Phoenix... but the sound of the terror in the child's voice would chill you to the bone no matter how hot the weather. The screams for 'help' coming from the tape recording rang out over the speakers... the Eagle Feathers of the Sacred Hoop moved and swayed about... . as Brandi stood... a Silent Witness to the same kind of fear we were hearing on the recording. Mothers reached out to touch the children they had with them... grateful they were safe. The reality of what IS 'domestic violence' and 'abuse' was forever etched into the minds and the hearts of every person present on the grounds of the Capitol Buildings. It was heart wrenching to hear.... but hear it we must... for if we do not... there will be more silent witnesses. Children should be playing and laughing... not silhouttes... not screaming for help.... that's the message of this day in Phoenix.... Please... our Children are Sacred.

After the Gathering, the Walkers were joined by many of the supporters for a Walk thru Phoenix to the Salt River Indian Community.... about 17 miles. Leading the way for the Hoop was Brandi.... the Silent Witness. A young man named Lawrence Magallanes carried the wooden lifesize form of Brandi for the entire Walk.... and not just carried her. He held her high... as if to give her 'voice'. I was so proud watching him walk in such a good way...for this little girl. Luis Acosta of the City of Phoenix Police Department graciously arranged for The Walkers to have a 'Police Escort' thru the busy streets and intersections of Phoenix.... and as we continued the Walk, the Tempe City Police assisted us to the Salt River Boundaries where the fine Officers of the Salt River Police Department took over. Our deep appreciation to all of the Officers involved in the Walk. We are grateful for the safety and support shown by the people of Arizona.

When we arrived in Salt River Indian Community we were honored with a 'blessing of the grounds' where we would camp. There was a very special 'gourd shaker' presented to Don Coyhis of White Bison after the blessing and wonderful songs. And when I saw trucks start pulling into the 'camp site area' ... one loaded with firewood.. one with grills and chairs... and yet another with a big 'dining tent'... I would have sworn I was back home. The hospitality and good food were greatly appreciated. Thank you to the People of Salt River.