In 1978, a group of Native American activists set out to walk from San Fransisco to Washington D.C. to promote Native American rights and our way of life. It was a peaceful, spiritual effort to educate the public about Native issues. Now, thirty years later, it is being done again. The Longest Walk 2008 started just as the original, from San Fransisco on Feb. 11th. It will take five months to complete the walk to D.C.. The southern route is being led by AIM (American Indian Movement) co-founder Dennis Banks. This walk is a grassroots effort to bring attention to not only Native issues but to the environment and to the harmony of Mother Earth. Along the way, walkers will also pick up trash that has plagued our highways for years. Why do I tell you this??? Because, we in Tehachapi are fortunate to have them right here! The walkers will be in Tehachapi on Saturday and Sunday March 1st and 2nd.

As a Native American and a long time member of AIM, I have offered to do what I can to support this walk. As many of you know, I am a chef. I will be donating my time and materials to feed the 100+ walkers as they rest here in Tehachapi on Saturday night. They will be staying at the United Methodist Church on Backes Ln. (822-1440). They are due to arrive at 4:00p.m. This is not just a group of Native American activists. They are also being joined by Buddhist Monks from Japan and any and all supporters. Please visit their website www.longestwalk.org and see what you can do to get involved and educated. I do hope to see some of you and I also hope that some of you can take time and walk with them, even if only for a short time.