Trail of Truth
Trail of Truth
Dear friends –
Securing justice for my people has not been easy. The political landscape has been difficult, and the task at hand is expensive. Still, there is so much more work to do – and that is why I'm asking for your help. We will need the support of the broader community to make our journey across the continent by horseback – our Trail of Truth – as large and as visible as it can possibly be.
We are hoping to raise funds through small donations to fund this historic journey for our Tribe. Those funds will be necessary to procure and support fifty horses while they are in our care. There are also larger sponsorship opportunities: we're hoping a Bay Area business would consider helping the Tribe rent a large passenger bus, so that our elders are able to join us on this journey.
You can imagine what an enormous logistics undertaking that this project demands, requiring animal handlers and other staff support. Of course, this will be a working summer for our Tribal youth, who will become expert in setting up camp along the way and caring for these animals along our journey.
The federal government's continued refusal to recognize us demands this high-visibility Trail of Truth. It will require the nation's attention and the demands of the public to make justice for our tribe a reality. We can only do that with the help of our friends, our community, and our allies.
We are enormously appreciative for whatever support that you're able to offer in whatever amount. Your support is very deeply important to us, and we will never take it for granted.
With profuse gratitude,
Charlene Nijmeh
Chairwoman
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Trail of Truth?
The Trail of Truth is a 90-day journey across the United States, from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC, led by members of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. The journey will bring attention to the contemporary struggles of indigenous communities that are still victimized by colonialism and legal architecture that is intended to subjugate indigenous people and to suppress indigenous economies. The delegation will stop at indigenous communities along the way to share stories of each other's struggles and to share strategies for decolonization.
When will the Trail of Truth take place?
The Trail of Truth is tentatively scheduled to depart the San Francisco Bay Area on August 4th, with an arrival in Sacramento at the State Capitol on August 8th where we will camp out and demand Justice from Governor Newsom. Upon arriving in Washington in the first week of October, the delegation will set up an encampment on the lawn of Capitol Hill, which will serve as the movement's base of operations through November. We hope to have indigenous people from across North America to join us.
What should participants expect on the three-month journey?
Participants should expect a grueling cross-country journey by horseback, traveling anywhere from 20 to 50 miles per day, depending on the topography of each portion of the trip. We will be traveling though desert conditions in April, when daytime temperatures will range in the upper-70s and nighttime temperatures will range in the mid-50s. Participants will enjoy unparalleled views of the American landscape and will be immersed in a cultural experience and social justice cause that will emerge a defining moment in American history – a moment when America decides to proactively decolonization, allowing for the political liberation and nation-building aspirations of its indigenous communities.
Who can participate in the Trail of Truth?
Anyone can participate in the Trail of Truth and join Muwekma Ohlone tribal members on the journey. While the Tribe is fundraising the necessary funds to support tribal members on the journey, we are asking that others fund the costs associated with caring for and feeding the horse that they will be traveling with – which is estimated to cost between $30,000 and $40,000 per horse for the three-month journey. We invite our indigenous brothers and sisters from across North America, our allies, celebrities, and anyone else who is willing to help us bring attention to our struggles.
Can folks participate, even if they don't have a horse to ride?
Of course, Muwekma leadership wants the Trail of Truth to be broadly participatory. If you don't horseback ride, or don't have access to a horse, don't let that prevent you from joining the caravan. Bring your car, your bike, your motorcycle, your camper, or any other vehicle that will enable your participation. The horseback riders will be setting the pace at about 25 miles per day, on average. The delegation plans to camp at State and National parks along the way, at each rider's expense.
Can elders participate?
Of course, tribal elders are very welcome and encouraged to participate. We are currently looking for a sponsor to fund an "Elders' Bus" that can join us for the journey. We will have more information as that effort progresses. If you are a tribal elder and are interested in a spot on this "Elders' Bus" please do email us at matt@muwekma.org to reserve your spot. Space is limited.
What are the objectives of the Trail of Truth?
For the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, the objective of the Trail of Truth is to bring attention to our 40-year struggle to affirm our federal status – and to demand that the Biden Administration and the Congress act to affirm our status immediately. But the Trail of Truth is bigger than any one Tribe. It's time for a new American Indian Movement, and we need it during this presidential election cycle, which will coincide with renewal talks required under the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement. It is important that indigenous communities have a seat at the table when it comes to renegotiating and modernizing the Treaty that governs North American trade.
How will the Trail of Truth be funded?
The Trail of Truth will be funded by the generosity of grassroots supporters, tribal governments, and our allies. We are currently fundraising the necessary capital that will be required to care for the horses and caravans of supporters that will be traveling alongside. For anyone interested in justice and interested in making America a more perfect place – fully reconciled with its history – this is an enormous moment in our history, and we ask you to be a part of it.
Where do I sign up?
If you would like to participate and reserve a spot on the journey, please fill out this form.