The U.S. flags bookend the different flags of the Ute and the Dine tribes as they walk together into the Four Corners Monument to end the Walking Together for Healthier Nations event.
Catching Eagle sings a flag song as the Ute Mountain Ute Color Guard raises the colors at dawn prior to the walk.
Walking towards the western horizon, the Four Corners Monument awaits, 19 miles away.
Southern Ute elder Roy O’John and wife Vera approach the first rest stop after 3 miles.
Southern Ute veteran Dewitte Baker carries the Southern Ute tribal flag to lead the group. Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Gary Hayes and Councilman Manual Heart also participated in the walk.
Walkers take a much needed rest break at the six mile mark.
Students from Newcomb, NM are eager to join the walk.
Even the younger generations participated in the walk, even bringing the family pet to join in.
Tribal flags of the Ute tribes lead the way, and set the pace of the walkers.
Support staff of the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes bring up the rear, providing support and medical assistance if needed.
Southern Ute tribal member David Boyd gives a thumbs-up while his mother, Neida Chackee registers.
Brandon Johnson walks with Henry Sun Eagle of the Shining Mountain Diabetes Program.
The group from Aneth Utah walked 19 miles to join the Colorado group for lunch at the junction of Highways 162 and 160.
The Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe gave a Bear Dance presentation, under overcast skies, at the Four Corners Monument to conclude another year of the walk.
Fri May 17th, 2013 , by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Diabetes is the No. 1 health concern in Indian Country. On Friday, April 10 the Southern Ute, Northern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes joined forces with the Navajo Nation to battle diabetes and other health issues by walking together to the Four Corners Monument.