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For generations, the Inanktowan people, through oral history of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota tribes, have been the Caretakers and Protectors of the Sacred Red Pipestone Quarries located near the present-day town of Pipestone, Minnesota. Throughout the years, the Ihanktowan people witnessed the exploitation and desecration of the sacred red stone by the National Park Service and Pipestone Indian Shrine Association through the selling of sacred pipes and trinkets made from the stone. The Ihanktowan people sent runners out for eight years to bring about awareness to all Native and non-Native people of this desecration in hope that the National Park service and Pipestone Indian Shrine Association would realize that the red stone is sacred to the Native People and that the exploitation must stop. The Selling and Commercialization of our sacred stone continues today , and so the Ihanktowan people have scheduled another "Spiritual Run for the Sacred Pipe" to take place on June 2-21,2007. Along with the privilege and honor that goes with the designation as Caretakers of the Sacred Red Stone come certain responsibilities. When we look around and see the way things are in our communities and we look ahead to the generations that will come along after we are gone, we realize we need to pray for things to better for them. In addition to prayers for respect and protection of the sacred stone, this years prayers will forces on issues that plague our communities and hurt our children. One is Alcohol and drugs; directly connected to the other. We will be praying for healing for our People in; abuse, Diabetes, Family/domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, Child abuse/neglect, Suicide and other major health problems, along with Cultural identity problems. Any donations of running gear (i.e. shoes, sock, outerwear, etc.), or camping gear (i.e. tents, sleeping bags, bug repellant, etc) or financial support than you could help out with would be greatly appreciated by all participants in this spiritual event. Please send any assistance to: Spiritual Run for the Sacred Pipe 2007 c/o Allen HareThe run coordinators will provide a report of all expenditures of the run to those of you who make donations. There are many others that will not be forgotten. This year's run will encompass 1176 miles of prayers. We will cover Rosebud, Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, Standing Rock, Sisseton, Flandreau, Pipestone and back to Greenwood, SD on June 21st. For further information:
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