The 9th Annual Trail of Tears Memorial Walk is scheduled for Saturday at the Mid-America All-Indian Center, 650 N. Seneca. Approximately, 400 people are expected to participate in the all-day event, which begins with a nearly two-mile walk at 10:30 a.m., and is followed by Native American-themed activities for children and adults. Activities are free and open to the public.

 “The Trail of Tears Memorial Walk is a celebration of the triumphant spirit of all Native Peoples and tribes that survived and are thriving today,” said Paula Langworthy, chair of the Indian Center’s Board of Trustees.
 
The walking route extends from the Wichita Indian United Methodist Church, 1111 N. Meridian, to the Indian Center. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., a shuttle will be available to take walkers from the Indian Center to their starting point at the church.

The walk is expected to be completed by lunchtime when Indian Tacos will be served at the Indian Center. The tacos (fry bread topped with meat, beans, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and salsa) are $6, and drinks and desserts will be available for an added cost. Purchases must be made with only cash.

Afternoon activities from 11:30 to 1 p.m. inside the Indian Center include artist booths, Hunter Health Clinic stations, storytelling, a silent auction and children’s games. From 1 to 6 p.m. there will be an outdoor Stomp Dance led by the Two Feathers Dance Troupe from Sapulpa, Okla. No special dress or regalia are needed to participate in the dance.

The Trail of Tears Memorial Walk preserves the history of the thousands of Native Americans who died in 1831 during their forced relocation by the U.S. government to Indian Territory, which is present-day Oklahoma. The path they took from their homeland to Indian Territory was named the Trail of Tears because so many succumbed to disease, starvation and exposure before reaching their destination.

For more information about the Trail of Tears Memorial Walk, contact the Mid-America All-Indian Center at 350-3340.

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