When we arrived in Japan in 1988, we were not prepared for the overwhelming support shown to us. – Dennis Banks
Even the people who come our way look upon us in amazement, that we run only for the healing of Mother Earth. – Dennis Banks
And Americans realized that native people are still here, that they have a moral standing, a legal standing. – Dennis Banks
Many young Japanese were hearing for the first time the words of Native people from the West. – Dennis Banks
In 1978, the tradition of running from village to village with a message was revived. that first run was from Davis to Los Angeles, a distance of 500 miles. – Dennis Banks
It also called upon traditional people in the Four Directions to strengthen the healing ceremonies and asked people to heed the warnings of Mother Earth. – Dennis Banks
To be selected was an honor, and in respect of the family member chosen to run, families held feasts and gave away prized beaver coats, quilled tobacco bags and buffalo hides. – Dennis Banks
It is an understanding with the Great Spirit or Creator that we will follow these ways. – Dennis Banks
Since the beginning, Native Peoples lived a life of being in harmony with all that surrounds us. – Dennis Banks
Most importantly, the meaning of spirituality lays the seeds for our destiny and the path we must follow. – Dennis Banks
