October Spiritual Run Held in Conjunction with NIEA

In conjunction with the National Indian Education Association Conference, Approximately 30 youth ran from the site of the Sand Creek Massacre to Denver, where they were honored as part of the conference's Cheyenne Day October 7, 2005.  These kids, descendants of the Sand Creek Massacre, traveled to Colorado from Wyoming and Oklahoma.  After arriving in southeastern Colorado on the evening of October 4, the runners gathered the next morning at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site.  After a ceremony at the site, the runners departed the Sand Creek area, heading northwest toward Limon and interstate 70.  Later, in Denver, they were greeted and honored at the Colorado Convention Center, site of NIEA Conference, 2005.

Much appreciation is due to all those involved with the run - parents, chaperones, van drivers, and others who helped to plan, organize, and coordinate the event. Special acknowledgment goes to the young women and men who, in relay fashion, ran nearly 180 miles in windy, dusty and sometimes very chilly conditions. Their efforts, on behalf of their families, tribes, and communities are commendable.  As descendants and all others who suffered on November 29,1864 at Sand Creek.

Among those participating in their first Sand Creek Spiritual Healing Run were a number of youngsters from western Oklahoma.  Included in this group were Shery Fire. Anthony Koshiway, Spencer White Eagle, John White Eagle III. Rachel White Eagle, Vincent Pedro, Tashina Larney, Sonya White Eagle, Diamond Satoe, and Martina White Eagle.