Native American walk emphasizes respect, unity

By Wes Woods, On-Line Forty-Niner

Thursday, August 27, 1998

The "Solidify Our Sovereignty Prayer Walk" that arrived Tuesday at Cal State Long Beach came with one message: unity.

When the Native Americans approached, they were greeted by two lines of enthusiastic people bearing songs, food and drink.

Puvungna, the site where the participants in the walk journeyed to, was once a small Native American village that stood where CSULB is today. It is considered a spiritual site by the Gabrielino Indians and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Emotionally, the site has affected many people who have visited the grounds.

"I'm not Native American or religious but it always hits me," said Adrea Stoker about Puvungna. Stoker, a member of the Save Puvungna Coalition, said she has learned a great deal from Native American culture.

Organizer and participator Robertjohn Knapp said that attacks against tribal nations need to be spoken out against. Besides government, the bigger threat are large corporations that develop the land without realizing the consequences of their actions.

"We need to speak with one voice," Knapp said.

One voice who has believed in the Native American cause has been Lillian Robles, who helped stop CSULB officials in 1992 from developing the land into a strip mall.

"The spirits called me to protect the land," Robles said. Robles and other tribal members camped outside an organic garden on the Puvungna site in order to stop construction of a temporary parking lot.

According to a news release, the American Civil Liberties Union stepped in on behalf of the Native Americans, they obtained a preliminary injunction stifling the building, which remains to this day.

But the walk isn't about previous battles. "It's a prayer walk, not a protest," said organizer Susana Castillo.

The walkers have been averaging 20 to 30 miles a day, Castillo said.

The actual number of marchers, however, changes with each location. Jobs and family are hindrances to many of the willing participants. "Only a few are walking the entire path," Castillo said.

Castillo has been walking with the group at times, as well. Of their journey, she said they talk-walk, pray and sing songs.

However, the journey has not been all about fun. Castillo said that some sites have been extremely hilly and hard to walk on. Organizer Jimi Castillo feels his legacy is tied into the walk.

"A wise man once told me when I was stumbling, 'How do you want to be remembered by your grandchildren,'" Castillo said.

Castillo said he feels he needs to be a part of this for the next generation.

A Vietnam veteran, Castillo also believes the United States government should do their part for Native American sovereignty by respecting the earth.

Castillo has a strong opinion about Puvungna, as well as other Native American lands developers are trying to take over.

"You get land three ways," Castillo said. "You buy it, give it or steal it."

The "Solidify Our Sovereignty Prayer Walk" began Aug. 22 at the Pala Reservation in San Diego County. The walk will end in Sacramento, where marchers plan to gather at the Capitol for four days.