Indigenous Rights Walk to Arrive in Denver- Newmont Mining approached with Western Shoshone Statement, Longest Walk 2 Presents

ATTN NEWS ROOM – NEWS ADVISORY March 24th, 2008 

Contact: Morning Star Gali

mstargali@gmail.com

Mano Cockrum

(720) 276 7452

Aislyn Colgan

(831) 295 2555

Indigenous Rights Walk, ‘The Longest Walk 2’ to Arrive in Denver

News Conference & Rally Planned to Address Native American Rights, Environmental Devastation brought by Newmont Mining Corporation to Western Shoshone land.

Denver, CO- On Monday, March 24th, more than 50 participants of the Longest Walk 2 will stand in solidarity with the Western Shoshone in their struggle to protect their sacred places from Newmont Mining Corporation's gold mining operations on their land.

The day will begin at the Denver Art Museum with a morning blessing followed by a rally. The walkers and their supporters will march to a news conference on the West Capitol Steps at 9:00 am.

The Longest Walk 2, comprised of representatives from many Native tribes and their allies, is a five- month trans-continental walk for environmental protection and Native American rights traveling on foot from San Francisco, Ca. to Washington D.C. 

The Longest Walk 2 has journeyed to Denver for the weekend to offer support, prayers, and collect statements from local Indigenous communities. They will bring the issues of sacred site desecration and environmental destruction facing the Western Shoshone Nation to the US Government upon arrival in Washington D.C.  The walkers will continue their trek on to Sand Creek to remember the massacre of over 150 elderly men, women and children that occurred there and offer prayers.

A proclamation from Ernest House Jr. on behalf of Governor Ritter will be delivered supporting the walk and it's mission. In addition, the nomination of Carrie Dann, Western Shoshone grandmother  and long time defender of environmental and sacred areas' desecration for the Nuclear Free Future Resistance Award will be announced.

The walk will arrive in Washington, D.C. on July 11, 2008, bringing attention to issues of environmental injustice, protection of sacred sites, cultural survival, youth empowerment, and eroding Native American rights shared along the route.  As a result of the first Longest Walk held in 1978, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (1978) was passed and 11 legislative bills that would have abrogated native treaties were defeated. 

WHAT: Longest Walk 2 Rally and Press Conference

WHEN: 9:00 am

WHERE:  West State Capitol Steps 

WHO:  Longest Walk 2 representatives including Jimbo Simmons, coordinator of the Northern Route of The Longest Walk 2, Dale Roach Osorio, Paul Owns the Sabre and more. 

For a complete itinerary, specific directions and additional information please visit: www.longestwalk.org. 

Longest Walk 2 Denver Schedule

Monday, March 24th 

8:00 am Sunrise Prayer: Meet at  “Wheel” in front of Denver Art Museum; 100 W. 14th Ave Pkwy

Join us in prayer and then join the Longest Walk 2 as it proceeds to West Capitol Steps

9:00 a.m. Rally & Press Conference at West Capitol Steps

WHO: Longest Walk 2 representatives,

9:30 am.  March to Newmont Headquarters

 *Photo Opportunities: More than 50 Participants of the Longest Walk 2, Traditional Drummers and Singers, and Colorful Banners .