Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

June 11, 2008

Pennsylvania Governor issues Longest Walk proclamation

Lance Simmens, special assistant to Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell, reads a proclamation from the governor to the Longest Walk Northern Route at the West Virginia and Pennsylvania border today, June 11, 2008 at 2 pm. Photo Brenda Norrell (Please double click to enlarge.)

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

PENNSYLVANIA/WEST VIRGINIA BORDER -- Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell issued a Longest Walk proclamation today, June 11, and welcomed the Longest Walk northern route. Lance Simmens, special assistant to the governor, met the Long Walkers at the West Virginia/Pennsylvania border and issued the welcome and proclamation.

Describing it as a walk to bring attention to Indian rights and environmental issues, Gov. Rendell said, "You walk for the Native American youth, for peace, for justice, for the healing of Mother Earth, for the healing of people suffering from diabetes, heart conditions, alcoholism, drug addiction and other diseases."

Gov. Rendell said, "Through the elements of the seasons, you all shall walk through the rain, snow, over mountains, high winds, through the heat and cold, and nothing shall deter you from completing your mission -- All Life is Sacred, Protect Sacred Sites."

"The cultural fabric of our nation has been woven from the proud histories and traditions of our citizens. It is this diversity that makes the freedoms of expression and association we enjoy as Americans so extraordinary. By celebrating and embracing our own unique heritage, we uphold the principles and ideals of liberty, equality and democracy."

"As you walk with those who share your common ancestry, you reaffirm a bond of mutual understanding and respect and gain a greater appreciation for your past. The advancements and pioneering achievements of Native Americans has distinguished them as leaders and strong advocates for the environment and for human rights. This proud event in Native American history defines the spirit of its citizens and represents a strong relationship with the people of America."

The Longest Walk Northern Route left Ohio today, where Columbus Ohio police earlier attacked the Long Walkers, leaving two, Luv the Mezenger and Marie Littlemoon, with minor injuries. Police pointed a taser between the eyes of walker Michael Lane, who is on the walk with his wife, Sharon Heta, Maori, and their children.

Penn. Gov. Rendell's representative met the walkers at the border with the proclamation, which said, "Welcome to Pennsylvania!

Longest Walk, Google news ...

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Longest Walk Violently Attacked by Columbus Police OpEdNews, PA - 11 hours ago Without communicating with the Ohio Department of Transportation, who were notified of The Longest Walk passing through Columbus, Ohio, city police swiftly ...
Longest Walk women and children terrorized by Ohio police The NarcoSphere, NY - Jun 9, 2008 By Brenda Norrell CAMBRIDGE, Ohio -- Seated at the Longest Walk Northern Route camp in Ohio, Marie Littlemoon, Mescalero Apache walker, remembers how ...
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Local volunteers who helped walkers thanked for efforts Palladium-Item, IN - 12 hours agoParticipants in The Longest Walk 2 stayed in the Richmond area on the Memorial Day weekend. The Longest Walk 2 is a grassroots effort on a national level to ...
US police point Taser at Kiwi Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand - Jun 6, 2008A New Zealander who took his family to join Mohawk, Paiute, Navajos, Choctaw and the American Indians making a symbolic "Longest Walk" across the USA has ...
Longest Walk II to stop in Knoxville June 13 Oak Ridger, TN - Jun 5, 2008 An estimated 150 to 200 walkers participating in the South Route of the Longest Walk II will stop in Knoxville June 13 to share their message and hear from ...

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