july 10, 2018

 I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Julian Rodriguez,Jr. (Pala/Kupa, who's personal financial support eased tremendously the hardships of us all), Mike Shortey (Dine), Carl BadBear Sampson (Paiute/WesternShoshone), & Roy Murphy (Muckleshoot/Seabird) who, as Veteran Longest Walkers, knew the Spiritual obligation to Dennis & the LW5 Walk to cover these miles "...on foot". These Warriors stepped up on short & sudden notice despite obligations to their families, their clans, their Nations  and their loved ones. They suffered much~pains&strains & sweat&sprains, irregular&infrequent showers sometimes wearing the same dirty clothes after getting a shower~  much discomfort generally (probably much similar to the 1978 Walk, I imagine) to cover sometimes more than 20 miles per day each to make this happen. I also want to express my appreciation to The Leonard Peltier Committee members for their support & appreciation to Dennis Banks by allowing us to speak at their anniversary event for Leonard Peltier & to the March for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women in Rapid City for their embodiment of the ideals the American Indian Movement has always stood for & the good medicine they brought to our Walk. I am absolutely certain that, without the efforts & sacrifices of all of the above to do this Walk in a good way, "The Long Walk to Leech Lake for Nawacomig" could never have arrived in time to join the "Run Around Leech Lake" sponsored by the Banks family & the Tribe to honor Dennis Banks & his life of service to improve the conditions for existence of all Indian Peoples. The debt of gratitude due to them for having helped to heal & complete this Circle cannot be articulated in words so I will only say:
 "Miigwich ~ Chi Miigwich".... LEONARD SEABOLT
Sent from my iPhone