Pathstar

I can tell people, “Hey, I swam Alcatraz!” I can’t think of a more perfect opening statement. Any one is going to stop to hear what I have to say after hearing that.—Zolinza Zizi, Cheyenne, Arikara, Creek, 2011 and 2012 PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmer

Our week in San Francisco emphasized the power of positive thinking and focusing on our goals not our problems. The support system was set in place, education on proper diet and fitness was implemented, and we had obstacles to overcome daily. Our success was a community effort and came to light because others believed in our potential. When we forget to put daily effort into caring for ourselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually we lead ourselves down an unhealthy path. The PATHSTAR program helps participants harness their great achievements to be recalled at times of need. When the path may be veering in the wrong direction we have the power to choose the option that will increase our quality of life instead of hinder our progress.

—Shelli Martinez, Colville Federated Tribes, 2011 and 2012 PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmer

Being a type 2 diabetic, it was important for me to make that plunge into being healthy.  What this program is teaching us is to take initiative on our own to bring resources to our indigenous communities–to find and make programs and events that all promote our health and bringing those resources to our people…. not being someone who’s going to sit and wait around for health to come to us but going out there and grabbing our own health and bringing it back to our community….. This program equipped me with all the tools I needed to get across.

–Wicahpiluta Candelaria, Rumsen Ohlone/Apache, 2012 PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmer

See Swimming for Change: PNN-TV: http://www.poormagazine.org/node/4598

2013 PATHSTAR ALCATRAZ SWIM PROGRAM: OCTOBER 6-14, 2013

PATHSTAR is looking for 5 teams of two or more participants who are inspired by PATHSTAR’s mission and want to be agents for change in their community.  This is a minimum one year commitment starting from the time of the acceptance of your team in July 2013 through the Alcatraz Swim Week October 6-14, 2013 and with follow-up back home through July of 2014.  Your team will partner with PATHSTAR in local and national fundraising, community education, preparation for and participation in the Alcatraz Swim Week, including swimming from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco, sharing your experiences and learning with your family and community through implementing change in your life, and speaking to community groups and conferences.

PATHSTAR is looking for participants with the drive, courage, and self determination to change their lives and influence the lives of those around them.  The greatest underlying principal is community building and team work.  That is why PATHSTAR’s program requires teams of two or more people from a given community to participate in the program together.

We request that team mates complete the application together and encourage support from family, friends and local community groups, churches, agencies, or employers.  PATHSTAR encourages letters of recommendation that describe the values, character, commitment to follow through, and reputation for community involvement of an individual team member or the team as a whole.  PATHSTAR encourages team members to be sponsored and supported as representatives of the community before they leave for the Alcatraz Swim Week.

For application packet, click here:

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PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmers selected as ambassadors for health.

PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmers have been selected to share their experiences and insights with the North American Native and Indigenous people in upcoming University of Oklahoma’s American Indian Institute.  2012 PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swimmers present a keynote session:

PATHSTAR:  From the Badlands to Alcatraz…. and Beyond!!

12th Native Men’s and Women’s Wellness Conference

American Indian Institute, University of Oklahoma (San Diego, CA) March 17-21, 2013.