Walk for Tsucde – Athabascan Woman Blog

The final stretch of Walk for Tsucde. Photo by Angela Gonzalez

The Tetlin ladies with million dollar smiles. L-R: Diane John, Debbie Titus and Pamela Sam. Photo by Angela Gonzalez

I have five new Athabascan heroes: Fred John, Jr., Harry John, Pam Sam, Diane John and Debbie Titus. They completed a 375 mile walk from Dot Lake to Anchorage on May 31. I also greatly admire Becky Semler of Oregon who supported the team during the walk. Tazlina (Harry’s dog) deserves and an honorable mention for leading the team the whole way.

They could not have accomplished their 375 mile journey without tremendous amount of support from family, friends, individuals and organizations. The children of Fred John, Jr. and Linnea John and really the family of the late Katie John worked behind the scenes to take care of logistics, food, and many other duties. They had many walkers who joined them along the way, and had people welcome them from each community. There were about 150 people who joined in the final stretch through Anchorage.

They had speeches at the end of the Walk for Tsucde celebration. Speakers included:

Fred John, Jr.
Anne Thomas and other representatives of Chitna Native Corp.
Victor Joseph and Nick Alexia, Sr. of Tanana Chiefs Conference
Benedict Snowball, Stebbins community (17 mins in)
Liz Medicine Crow of First Alaskans Institute
Gwendolyn John reads a message from 9 Tribes of Northern County of San Diego
George Demintieff Holly dedicates a Dena’ina song (29 mins in)
Nick Jackson, Ahtna Elder (36 mins in)
Ahtna Native Corporation Board members (38 mins in) (2 men and one lady – Karen Linnell)
Gwendolyn John (44 mins in)
Harry John (45 mins in)
Debbie Titus (46 mins in)
Becky Semler (47 mins in)
Diane John (49 mins in)
Pamela Sam (49 mins in)
Fred John, Jr. gifts gifts (50 mins in)
Michelle Anderson of Ahtna (52 mins in)
Fred John, Jr. final remarks (54 mins in)

Here is an audio recording of the speeches at the Walk for Tsucde celebration. Please email me at ayatlin @ hotmail.com or comment below with any corrections or additions to the list above.

What a momentous occasion to watch in person. Check out their Facebook page for many more photos and updates. I loved seeing the expressions on their faces as they finished their 375 mile trek in honor of the late Katie John and for the protection of Alaska Native rights, subsistence rights, sobriety and veterans.

Fred John, Jr. exclaims, "We did it!" Photo by Angela Gonzalez — Fred John, Jr. exclaims, “We did it!” Photo by Angela Gonzalez

Walk for Tsucde - Day 29. Photo by Angela Gonzalez — Walk for Tsucde – Day 29. Photo by Angela Gonzalez

Today, I joined Walk for Tsucde on a seven mile stretch between Chugiak and Eagle River. We walked on the trail. So far, they walked from Dot Lake all the way to Eagle River. The Walk will conclude in Anchorage on May 31 at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

They have been fortunate to get news stories, like in the Alaska Dispatch, KTUU Ch. 2 News and Fairbanks Daily Newsminer. You can learn more about the Walk on the Walk for Tsucde website and Facebook and Twitter pages.

I was inspired by the walkers. Fred John, Jr. came up with the idea for the walk to raise awareness about Alaska Native rights. His brother, Harry John, and Tazlina (husky) has been walking with them since the beginning. Three ladies from Tetlin joined them along the way. Another relative joined them half way. They each have their own reasons for walking. One common theme was for future generations.

They believe the grandmothers are walking to them. Tsucde means grandma. It is a walk to honor Fred’s late mother, Katie John. They have received a lot of support from people along the way. People brought them food and other comforts. Some offer encouraging words via phone and social media. Others have made monetary donations.

Becky Semler and Fred John, Jr. start out early on May 29 in Chugiak. Photo by Angela Gonzalez

Walking with them on this relatively short stretch made me think about a lot of things. I was reminded of the importance of physical fitness. I felt so grateful to be outside, to hear the birds and water flowing when we passed. In today’s world, it is so easy to just coast along and keep busy. We forget to live in the present.

The purpose walk also reminded me of the struggles Alaska Natives and rural Alaskans face in being able to fish and hunt in their local areas. It was an honor to walk with these individuals for a short distance. Organizers invite people to join the walk and come to the celebration on May 31.

Walkers on May 29 between Chugiak and Eagle River. Photo by Becky Semler

Tag: Walk for Tsucde

Walk for Tsucde – Last Day

Walk for Tsucde – Day 29