“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
Watch KPIX’s Eye on the Bay feature about the 2011 Alcatraz Swim.
“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
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
2012 PATHSTAR ALCATRAZ SWIM PROGRAM: SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 8, 2012
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 2012 through the Alcatraz Swim Week September 30-October 8, 2012 and with follow-up back home through July of 2013. 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:
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. PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swimmers present:
From the Badlands to Alcatraz: Reclaiming Our Health, Reclaiming Our Future
And… One Stroke, One Step, One Choice at a Time: The PATHSTAR Promise at the
14th Annual Native Diabetes Prevention Conference
American Indian Institute, University of Oklahoma) Santa Fe, NM) June 13-17, 2011
This conference brings together individuals representing academia, tribal health systems, public health researchers, practitioners, behavioral health, and tribal members from American Indian, Alaska Native and Canadian First Nation communities. Areas of focus are comprehensive, creating a forum for partnership and discussion within and across these disciplines. General sessions, workshops and wellness activities will focus on diabetes prevention, methods of healing for individuals living with diabetes, and self-management practices using a blend of traditional and contemporary strategies.
The PATHSTAR teams need to raise $50,000 to participate in the Alcatraz swim program, share their learning and inspire their communities to reclaim health and wellness.
HELP US MEET OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL.
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.
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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