Everyone was refreshed and ready to walk today. We all enjoyed our time of rest and meeting everyone in the community around Acoma. We began today's journey in a really good way. With a Blessing for the Hoop and the Walkers... and with the gift of a beautiful song ... played on a flute by an Acoma Native. After the song... the sound of the Eagle Bone Whistle filled the crisp morning air. The shrill of the Eagle Bone Whistle to the Four Directions will wake you up and bring you to attention quicker than the strongest coffee. It sends chills up and down your spine no matter the weather. What a beautiful way to start this day !!!

Many of the Acoma people walked with us.... most thru the community of Laguna and some even into To'Hajiileeh and a few even into Albuquerque. The Walkers from the local Communities who joined us were:

    • Alfred Kabeita (Isleta Tribe)
    • Anthony Tewahattewa (Isleta Pueblo)
    • Joseph Chee (Mescalero Apache)
    • Lordon Mankee (Zuni Pueblo)
    • Matthew Concho (Laguna Pueblo)
    • Sonya Juancho (Isleta Pueblo)
    • Emmerson Sam (Navajo)
    • Nanette Mariano (Isleta Pueblo)
    • Greg Dobbs (Rec Therapist - Acoma NSRTC)
    • Sue Sanchez (Cubero - NM)
    • Adrian Wall (Jemez/Chippeno)
    • Ralph Paytiamo (Acoma)
    • Santana Titla (San Carlos Apache/Acoma BHS)
    • Orlando Owens Sundance Emaline Charles Atsye (Mesita)
    • Heather (Mesita)
    • Virgil Donelso - age 17 - Navajo of New Mexico - Stunt Man

We were hosted for the evening by the To'Hajiileeh Behavioral Health. Patrick D. Lynch made sure we were comfortable in our quarters for the evening before escorting us to the Senior Center for a Gathering in the Courtyard. We were watched over and escorted today and thruout the evening by the local Police Departments from the various Pueblos. Thanks Officers for your presence and support. There was a Sacred Fire in the middle of the Courtyard when we arrived at the Center at dusk. The Sacred Hoop was set up in the Courtyard close to this fire and the silhouette of Brandy placed next to the Hoop. The Story of the Hoop of 100 Eagle Feathers and the tragedy of Brandy and all victims of domestic violence and abuse was shared with all those present. The committment to the Walk burned brightly as the sun set and the sky darkened to create a good place for the blanket of stars.

When the tobacco was offered to the Hoop and prayers given to protect and encourage the Walkers and the Path in front of us.... as if on que... there was music and songs to fill the night air. It came from a local Group of Navajos who call themselves "The Lord's Calling" . They're a Gospel Group and have been singing together for 9 years. Thank you for sharing the gift that is in your songs !!! The members of the group were:

    • Group Leader: Laura Willie
    • Guitar: James Greyes Jr.
    • Bass: B.J. Chavez
    • Drum: Priscilla - Corey Back-up
    • Vocals: Evangie, Vera, Melissa

A special thanks to all the people who cooked the delicious meal at the Center .... All that walking makes us really really hungry !!!!! Thank you !!!!! It was a good day to Walk... and good day of sharing... we leave behind the 4 gifts of the Sacred Hoop and many good memories of the land and the People we have met.

Note: We try our best to get everyone's names... and correctly spell them... but with the pace of the Walk... we're sure we have left off people who contributed or walked.... and equally sure the spelling isn't always correct. It your name is left off this list or another day of 'updates'... or not spelled correctly... we apologize. Please remember that we see you there... and we are grateful for your presence and support.