Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Zachary 'Runningwolf' Brown, a relocated Native American Indian adopted by non-Indians, will walk and run home to the Blackfoot Reservation this spring, covering a distance of nearly 1,500 miles.

Brown's journey, is to begin at the Intertribal Friendship House in Oakland, California, and will end when he reaches the Blackfoot Reservation located in Browning, Montana.

The 'Journey Home' is meant to bring to light the irresponsibility of the U.S. Government's forced removal of Native American Indians from their own communities The goal of the forced removals was to expidite the assimilation of American Indians into "mainstream" society.

Runningwolf's journey home is not only a pilgrimage for healing his own wounds, caused by these socially destructive policies, but also a fundraiser. Brown hopes to raise $100,000 for the American Indian Family Healing Center and Indigenous Nations, in Oakland to help the center continue working on Native American adoption issues.

During this 'Journey Home' run/walk, visits will be made to American Indian Reservations. Brown will work with Native American Indian Tribes/Nations to strengthen their understanding and resolve to work vigilantly against the violation of the American Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.

This critically important law gives tribal custody decisions the same "full faith and credit" as state court custody decisions, and guarantees a strong voice for American Indians in decisions about their children's futures.

The "Journey Home" will begin in May and last 40-45 days. Zachary 'Runningwolf' Brown will arrive in Browning in time for Indian Days, the annual Pow-Wow on the Blackfoot Reservation.