Walking In Support of MMIR

Friday - May 20, 2022 by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Southern Ute tribal members, Southern Ute Tribal Council members, and community members were joined by the Nahui Ollin Spiritual runners from Denver, Colo. in a walk supporting Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives.

JJ Dela Torre and Dolores Quintana listen to MMIR Walk participants prior to the 19-mile trek in support of the MIIR cause.

Southern Ute elder Hanley Frost, who gave the Sunrise blessing listens as Nick Diaz of the Nahui Ollin Spiritual runners speaks of the journey the runners have taken, and the spiritual runs they've participated in bringing unity and wellness to communities.

With Elmore's Corner (junction of HWY 160 and HWY 172) in the background walkers begin their 19-mile trek to Ignacio.

Ricardo Rivera and a few of the Nahui Ollin Spiritual runners walk with the others, making theor way to Ignacio, 19 miles away from Elmore's Corner.

Walkers in support of MMIR enter the Southern Ute Indian reservation on HWY 172, heading to Ignacio from Elmore's Corner.

The group of walkers ascend the summit of airport hill on HWY 172, after a brief break.

Southern Ute Council Member Linda Baker walks with MMIR Walk organizer, advocate and Southern Ute tribal member Daisy Bluestar on HWY 172. Bluestar recently spoke at the Colorado State Capitol in support of the SB22-150 Bill that addresses the MMIR crisis here in Colorado.

Neida Chackee, Oolcu Buckskin, Lorelei Cloud make their way towards Ignacio as the Nahui Ollin Spiritual runners approach from the west.

Jimmy Maldon Ado, Xiahtonaltzin Quintana, JJ Dela Torre, Jimmy Florez and of the Nahui Ollin Spiritual runners from Denver, Colo., first walked a portion of the route from Elmore's Corner, then back-tracked and then ran – catching up to the walkers on HWY 172.

Walkers take a brief break to assemble and enter Ignacio together in support of MMIR.

Walkers, led by Daisy Bluestar and Jimmy Maldonado enter Ignacio, making their way to the Ignacio Town Park.

Southern Ute Council Member Lorelei Cloud assists MMIR Walk organizer, advocate and Southern Ute tribal member, Neida Chackee as they walk into Ignacio.

The group of walkers and other supporters gather in the Ignacio Town Park after the 19-mile walk from Elmore's Corner to Ignacio.`

After the MMIR Walk, the Nahui Ollin Spiritual runners from Denver, Colo. pose for a pic in the Ignacio Town Park. They run to bring awareness to communities who are in need of unity and healing: Diego Florez, JJ Dela Torre, Nick Diaz, Jimmy Maldonado, Dolores Quintana, Xiahtonaltzin Quintana and Sole Garcia.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Southern Ute tribal members, Southern Ute tribal council members and community members, held a walk, in support of the nation-wide Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) movement, Saturday, May 7. The event began with a sunrise blessing by Hanley Frost at Elmore’s Corner, prior to the 19-mile walk to Ignacio. The walkers were joined by the Nahui Ollin Spiritual runners from Denver, Colo. who run to bring awareness to communities who are in need of unity and healing. A meal was provided by Velma Armijo and family at the conclusion of the walk at the Ignacio Town Park.

Tags: Blenda Ortiz, Ceriss Blackwood, Cynthia Buckskin, Daisy Bluestar, Diego Florez, Dolores Quintana, Elmores Corner, Hanley Frost, Jimmy Maldon Ado, JJ Dela Torre, Linda Baker, Lorelei Cloud, Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), Nahui Ollin Spiritual Runners, Neida Chackee, Nick Diaz, Oolcu Buckskin, Rebecca Price, Ricardo Rivera, Sarafina Chackee, SB22-150 Bill, Sie Chackee, Sole Garcia, Velma Armijo, Xiahtonaltzin Quintana