Odyssey of the 8th FIre

"We are all flowers in the Great Spirit's garden. We share a common root, and the root is Mother Earth. The garden is beautiful because it has different colors in it."

- Grandfather David Monongye, Hopi

Day 8 - Friday, June 30, 1995 - Departing in early morning from Jamestown, Rhode Island, the walkers went fast and far. Tom says the walk is sprinting now to cover ground because we need to be in New York City next Friday. At that time the walk will re-unite with Grandfather Commanda at UN headquarters.

Grandfather William Commanda

When Grandfather Commanda went to the House of Mica (UN) two years ago in 1993 with the Hopis to deliver a message to humanity, he made a point of speaking the about the condition of our planet. He showed the Seven Fires wampum belt to the world, and he reminded everyone of the spiritual quality of hope. "We always have hope," he said, as he has said over and over in is life.

At that same historic UN conference, Mik'Maq elder David Gehue said that following ceremonies that had taken place in Cape Spear, Newfoundland, Canada—the point furthest east on Turtle Island—the Eastern Door is now open.

Medicine Wheel image

“The Circle of the Medicine Wheel is now complete,” Mr. Gehue announced within the glass walls at the House of Mica. “The Wabanaki people (People of the Morning Light) have joined the circle. We have joined under the following philosophy: Heal yourself. You help to heal the family. The family helps to heal the community. The community helps to heal the nation. The nations help to heal the world.

"It is time for us all to stop blaming one another, heal from our wounds, and move forward, for the survival of the world as we know it is in our hands."

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Late in the afternoon the walk arrived at the Stonington home of Melinda Plourde-Cole and her organization, the Southeastern Connecticut Coalition for Peace and Justice. Her home offered an uplifting view of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance, and a taste of ocean salt in the air.

The walkers relaxed, swam in a fresh water pond, and set up tents on the lawn to serve as shelter through the summer night.

In the distance - the walkers could see and hear the Atlantic Ocean.

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In the evening I telephoned advisor José Lucero at his home on the Santa Clara Pueblo in northern New Mexico. He was eager to hear news of the walk.

As we talked and he got a sense of how things were going, José strongly encouraged the walkers to stay together: to walk as a group rather than allowing themselves to become strung out along the road as has been the pattern so far. He also said it was best for every walker, together, to walk all of the miles, rather than walking in relays.

"Stay together," Jose advised. "Walk in unity. It will give you greater spiritual strength as you go on.”

José wants the walkers to know that he is praying for them, and waiting patiently for walk to get to the west.

José said that his friend, Hopi elder and sacred interpreter Thomas Banyacya, was carrying the message of the walk to Montana this weekend. He said Grandfather Thomas would meet with the Traditional Circle of Elders, and ask for their understanding and blessing.

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Read Day 9 -- Odyssey of the 8th Fire