The rain clouds arrived at the Lehi Gathering Area at about the same time participants of this year’s Walk for O’odham Piipaash did. 

A record number of individuals signed up to participate in this year’s walk on Sept. 26, which featured a one-mile track down Stapley Drive and a two-mile track that included Stapley and Thomas Road, Horne street and Oak Street. Over 500 participants registered for this year’s walk, which is a new record. 

“Thank you all for this blessed day and for being here as we enjoy the beautiful weather that has been bestowed upon us this morning by Creator,” began Martha Ludlow-Martinez as she provided the event’s opening remarks. 

She continued, “It’s truly a blessing to come together for this walk here in the Community, where we are blessed with two tribes and having them be represented here.” 

Additionally, Ludlow-Martinez asked for blessings for the participants and their families, as well as for the O’odham and Piipaash who have yet to be born, “but are on their way here.”

At the conclusion of the morning’s prayer, Ludlow-Martinez also asked for blessings to be given to those individuals experience tough and challenging times: “Creator, remind them that your love is everlasting.”

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier then provided a few words before participants began the walk. 

“This isn’t a race,” he began. “This is a walk and an opportunity to reflect and think about things that are going on in your life and our Community.”

He added, “As an elected official, I see things that are happening in the Community. As we walk today, let’s think about our families and how we can better our Community. When I first got in office as vice-president in 2006, one of the first events I went to was this one, so this event has been going on for nearly 20 years.

“The change starts with each and every one of us. We have a blessed Community.”

Photos by Zoe Hernandez. Drone photo by Juan Ysaguirre.