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"I feel pain and anger that in your rush toward development the fabric of this globe has been rent, and what you call the biosphere, or ecosphere—but which my people more simply call Mother—has been so neglected and hurt...

"Our elders tell us we have to do more than save what is left of our traditional homelands. We need to contribute to an overall change of mind...so that human-kind can begin to initiate strategies which will preserve and sustain the environment that all cultures and nations share."

- Ruby Dunstan

Day 117 - Tuesday, October 17, 1995 - Downstairs in the living room of my 250-year-old New Hampshire farmhouse, I have a vigil candle burning on an altar that anchors my relationship with the walkers and the walk.

I've been burning the candle since I attempted to go on retreat last Friday. The candle will stay illumined until sunset, when the four days will be complete.

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Lauren Keahbone

Lauren Keahbone, her son Aaron, and her father, Mark, stopped in today to visit the Sunbow 5 walk in Talequah, Oklahoma. They said they want to join the walk and go all the way. They say they are Kiowa, and that they have a traditional background. "We feel so honored to be here among the walkers," Lauren said.

Tom welcomed the Keahbone family, and said that, in his view, they would add a lot to the walk, especially as it moves west toward and then beyond Oklahoma City.

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As of today, the Rainbow Walkers have made it to Salislaw, Oklahoma. Alycia Longriver called and reported on their progress.

"We are doing excellently,” she said. “We have been helped by many, many people, and churches. We have been gifted with several nights in motels, and have been sought out by and interviewed on television and a newspaper." 

"Our plans are to continue to walk with the original intentions, in peace and harmony, with caring and sharing, and with each voice respectfully heard. We are going straight across, with no side excursions," Alycia said. We will pray for the whole of the sacred hoop, including the other walkers. So far the universe is being very kind to us. We have acquired a great winter tent for just $50, and a trailer to help carry our equipment.

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Brianna M.

Brianna, 17, got on the phone after Alycia, and shared some bad news. “I've just learned that my grandmother has cancer," she said, "and I am going to go home and live with her and be with her. That's why I am leaving the Rainbow Walk now.'

“I have felt comfortable and safe here on the Rainbow Walk," Brianna said, "and not dominated by anyone. That's the way it should be...

"We pray every day, not with a pipe because that's not our way. But we are spiritual all the same in our own way, whether anyone respects it or not. I wanted to go all the way to the Western Gate, but now that has changed. My place is at home by my grandmother's side."

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Copyright 2006 by Steven McFadden

Read Day 118 -- Odyssey of the 8th Fire