Walking for spirituality

Led by Nathan Strong Elk, Daisy Bluestar and Sinaav Larry (right) who carries his grandfather’s staff, the late Saa-sawnia Hiswaqs (Robert Buckskin), who led the first walks in the early 1990’s – walkers ascend HWY 151 heading north on New Years Day, Jan. 1, 2022.

Daisy Bluestar who led this year’s spirituality walk, listens as other walkers shared words and blessings prior to the walk.

Spirit guides, the horse and bald eagle greeted and safeguarded the walkers along the spirituality walk. Deer and hawks were also seen along the walk.

Walkers endured the early morning temps and icy conditions along the Spirituality Walk.

Spirit guides, the horse and bald eagle greeted and safeguarded the walkers along the spirituality walk. Deer and hawks were also seen along the walk.

Nathan Strong Elk and Rebecca Price take a break and listen to words of bringing in a new year in a good way. Prayers were said and tobacco was offered along the 4.5-mile walk.

Prayers and tokens of spirituality were offered to the waters of the Pine River, the life blood of the Ute lands.

Sinaav Larry, grandson of the late Saa-sawnia Hiswaqs proudly carried his grandfather’s staff to the Ouray Memorial Cemetery. Sinaav was joined on the walk by his sisters, O’hozhoni and Sibrya, and mother Oolcu Bucksin the daughter of Saa-sawnia Hiswaqs.

Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

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Fri Jan 14th, 2022 , by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Continuing a tradition of “walking into the new year” family and community members carry the tradition into 2022. Although the original walks were for sobriety, they have always been about spirituality and bringing in the new year with blessings and sacrifice. The 2022 Spirituality Walk, a 4.5-mile trek, began at the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park and ended at the Ouray Memorial Cemetery.