OKMULKE, Oklv. – The Peace and Dignity Journey (PDJ) has begun their 2024 prayer run, a seven-month commitment for the preservation and revitalization of spiritual and cultural traditions. The runners are currently making their way from Fairbanks, Alaska and Tierra del Fuego, Argentine, and converging at El Cuaca, Colombia.
According to the PDJ website it states, “the Peace and Dignity Journeys originated in 1990 in Quito, Ecuador. In July of that year, Indigenous Peoples from as far north as the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and representatives from the Caribbean gathered to address the state of Indigenous Peoples and to organize a hemispheric response to the upcoming quincentennial celebration of the founding of the ‘New World’ led by Christopher Columbus. This assembly in Ecuador under the Eagle and Condor Prophecy marked the first time Indigenous Peoples from throughout Abya Yala had come together.”
State Coordinator for the Blue Arrow Route Brenda Golden (Mvskoke) spoke about her position with the organization and how she got involved. This is her third time serving as the coordinator for the PDJ runners that pass through Oklahoma. She has been a part of this organization for over a decade now. According to Golden, the run has a very special significance not only for Indigenous people of North America, but Abya Yala as well. Abya Yala translates to the “living land” or “the land that flourishes” and refers to the land and cultures of Latin America.
“The Peace & Dignity Journeys Run is fulfilling the prophecy of reuniting the Eagle and the Condor,” Golden said. “It is interesting that Indigenous peoples of South America begin running north with the Condor staff at the same time Indigenous peoples of North America begin running south with the Eagle staff and the groups meet in South America for a four-day ceremony. They carry the sacred prayers for all of us.”
Before Golden got involved, she was introduced to PDJ by her cousin, Ben Yahola, who had helped the organization in the past. Golden remarked that she was honored to be invited to be a part of it. Golden helped with the Midwestern Route which involves Oklahoma. Among the friends Golden has made through the organization include coordinator Vanessa Quezada.
Coming Together
Golden stated that each runner does a type of relay run, they switch off runners every five to six miles. There are approximately 10-12 runners that run up to 75 miles per day. According to the PDJ website the group works toward a goal that is bigger than themselves. The website states, “The runners’ dedication transcends geographical boundaries, underscoring the imperative nature of fostering unity and respect among Indigenous Peoples.”
This year’s run does not include any Mvskoke runners. When PDJ came through the Mvskoke Reservation, members of the Muscogee and Eufaula Indian communities met runners with enthusiasm. They walked and ran alongside the runners and provided them with meals. From there the runners made their way to McAlester and Durant.
“The runners have now gone through Texas and entered Mexico,” Golden said. “It is worth noting how dangerous this could be for them to run through Mexico, Central America and South America to Columbia. I ask everyone to pray for their safety and health while they honor their commitment to reuniting the Eagle and Condor in 2024 and beyond.”
According to the PDJ website it states,“The Eagle symbolized the Indigenous Peoples of the North, and the Condor symbolized the Indigenous Peoples of the South. The gathering leaders encouraged participants to embrace the prophecy as a guiding principle. In 1991, participants from Quito and other Indigenous organizers met in New Mexico, leading to the birth of the Peace and Dignity Journeys. The first Peace and Dignity Journeys were realized in 1992 with a commitment to organize these intercontinental spiritual runs every four years.”
The run occurs every four years, the next run will be in 2028. According to Golden, the PDJ organization will begin planning routes and support a year in advance in 2027. In 2015 the PDJ held their meeting in Okmulgee at the Mvskoke Dome for the 2016 journey. Organizers came from areas as far as Costa Rica, California, New York, South Dakota and New Mexico.
Anyone is welcome to be a PDJ runner. For those interested in signing up as a runner or want to make a donation to the organization, visit their website, pdjrun.com.
