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MAY 11, 2000

The Journey of the Sacred Hoop recently began the second leg of its 3800 mile journey across the United States as they entered Oklahoma last week.

On Tuesday, the group held a special ceremony at the the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the site of a 1995 bombing.

The Sacred Hoop Journey is a nationwide walk focusing on a concept walk organizers call "wellbriety." Wellbriety is a combination of sobriety and wellness and includes a focus on an end to family violence.

The walk is sponsored by White Bison, a non-profit corporation founded and led by Don Coyhis (Mohican). It began last month in Los Angeles and will end 109 days later at the nation's capital on July 10.

So far, the walk has stopped at various Indian communities in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. At each location, the group holds conferences and gatherings on various topics of importance to the health and well being of Indian Country.

Recent talks focused on domestic violence and prevention, drug and alcohol abuse, fatherhood, and boarding schools. Future topics include teen suicide, fetal alcohol syndrome, women, and Native leadership.

As the walkers continue their journey this weekend, Chief Chad Smith will be on hand to welcome them into Tahlequah, the seat of the Cherokee Nation. A special Mother's Day feast will be held on Sunday May 14th, where Jim Henson, principal chief of the Keetoowahs, and Coyhis will speak.

On Monday, a conference on drugs and alcohol will be held. Guest speakers include former Minnesota Viking football player Joey Browner.

The public is encouraged to participate in all the walk's events. More information on the walk can be found at the White Bison website or by calling (877) 871-1495.

Relevant Links:
White Bison - Contains updates of the journey, including pictures, and stories from the road.