“My inspiration comes from others who share their experience, strength, encouragement, and words of wisdom–blessings I received from all of those who touched my life while in California. I could not have done this without their contribution, along with my commitment, dedication, and drive to complete this swim.”
Jolene Martin, Lakota, 2011 PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmer
2011 PATHSTAR ALCATRAZ SWIM PROGRAM: OCTOBER 9-17, 2011
“Thanks for the awesome adventure! It was way more than I expected, good and bad. I really appreciate all everyone did to help make the swim such a success. I did enjoy the food, although it was a shock. I knew that we would be eating healthy, but I thought we would be eating healthier– not HEALTHY. I did learn a lot about myself and food; the realization was eye opening and I thank you for that. I still have a mile wide smile when someone asks me how it went.”
—Jerry Signor, Colville Confederated Tribes, 2011 PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmer
Sharing from their backgrounds as Lakota, Haida, Tlingit, Cheyene, Arkiara, Creek, and Colville Confederated Tribes, the 2011 PATHSTAR participants began the ninth annual PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swim Week by joining in a fireside circle on Alcatraz Island and setting their intentions. After being honored in the Indigenous Sunrise Ceremony circle with a special blessing, they (literally) immersed themselves in a rigorous week of education, experience, and expanding horizons—for themselves and for their communities back home. Each member of the PATHSTAR team responded to the many physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges during the week with remarkable courage and commitment, and all twelve 2011 PATHSTAR swimmers, ranging in age from 15 to 61, had an enormously successful crossing from Alcatraz Island to the San Francisco shore on October 17, 2011!
WHAT NEXT? PATHSTAR participants return home as ambassadors for health.
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 PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmer
We knew that we were coming here for the purpose of motivating our people back home and lighting that fire inside of them to overcome obstacles, to overcome their fears and get on a positive track in their lives – make healthy choices mentally, emotionally, and spiritually– everything that encompasses a healthy person. Overcoming fear (is) transforming (and) can transfer into different areas of life (that) seem unrelated. For instance, many people struggling with diseases such as alcoholism, depression, diabetes and drug addiction feel a loss of control in their lives, but by completing the PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swim they would realize how they can regain control and live a healthy lifestyle.
—Shelli Martinez, Coville Federated Tribes, 2011 PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmer
PATHSTAR depends entirely on community generosity.
Mail your donation to: PATHSTAR 601 Van Ness Suite E711, San Francisco, CA 94102 or you can also donate through PAYPAL on our support page.
Since I’ve been back home I have been practicing the healthy eating habits. We shopped at a local farmer’s market, I’ve prepared a healthy vegetable dish for the Lakota Language class on Monday, and I continue to get exercise in my schedule. It’s a wonderful experience being able to participate and support a wonderful (program). I thank you with all my thoughts and prayers.
-Pilamaye Chrystal White Eyes, Oglala Lakota
Being Lakota Sioux we practice a life of balance but the experience with PATHSTAR has shown me that I was unbalanced with my own health. I practice my culture and take care of my mental and emotional health but was neglecting my physical health. My participation with PATHSTAR was indeed life changing. I originally weighed 238 pounds when I participated in the swim but all the information shared about making healthy lifestyle change was extremely impacting. I began a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen and am down to a healthy 202 pounds. I am eating organic foods and practice a much healthier lifestyle.
Nakina (Mills–four time PATHSTAR Lakota Alcatraz swimmer) and I were recently blessed with the birth of a baby boy. The reality that I need to take better care of my health has never been more evident. I am encouraged by the healthy lifestyle changes that PATHSTAR promotes. I will not just have the opportunity to watch him grow but also can be a proactive part of his life and all his endeavors.
Click here to read a fantastic blog piece by Patrick O’Neill of Extraordinary Conversations Inc., about the Pathstar Swim.
For more information and to order a copy of the DVD, visit: www.badlandstoalcatraz.org
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