Emotional Mt. Graham Run

Aug. 08, 2007
By Taegan Nosie

This summer was the 17th anniversary of the Mt. Graham Sacred Run. This run started in 1991. Many runners from all over the world come to San Carlos to join the Apache runners in their run to Mt. Graham.

Mt. Graham is a very important place to the people who run and support the sacred run. Dzil Nchaa Sian, which means Mt. Graham in Apache, is a sacred place where Apache ancestors once lived. Apache ancestors retreated to the mountain to escape from the settlers and the army. It also was their summer home. It's their holy ground where Apaches and many people before them came to pray . This mountain is the land that the Apache people call home. It's a place that they keep dear to their hearts.

Unfortunately, there is a repulsive, man-made structure that ruins Mt. Graham is sacred environment. A telescope was placed on top of the mountain by the University of Arizona and investors. They want the telescope to remain there for study. There has been court cases on the fight of keeping Mt. Graham a protected sacred site. The first court case to stop the building of the telescopes was heard in the Tucson Superior Court, which the Apaches won. The University of Arizona appealed the verdict to the area circuit court. The next case was the 9th circuit court in San Francisco which the Apaches also won. University of Arizona's next step to fighting it was to take it to the Supreme Court of the United States but instead they took a back door approach. To succeed in their task of getting the telescope on the top of Mt. Graham, they went through congress. Congress granted U of A permission to put the telescope on the mountain."

“If construction is allowed to proceed, it will prove to Apache people that once again, as so often in the past, their own religious beliefs count for nothing when brought into conflict with the interests of powerful institutions controlled by non-Indians," stated Dr. Keith Basso, anthropologist, in winter of 1996. The Mt. Graham Sacred Run has shown many people that runners will keep running for this mountain because of their rights and beliefs. The Apaches will not give up but forever stand for what we believe in.

This summer's run, just like many others, Spirit of the Mountain runners gathered together to prepared themselves for their journey. The runners came from Cibeque and White River, our White Mountain Apache runners, New York, Philadelphia, Navajo, France, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Silver City.

It was scheduled for July 26-29. On Thursday, July 26, their journey started at 4 a.m. leaving from Ft. Apache Dance Ground,White River, Arizona. They ran in the heat, leaving their footsteps behind them and holding the staff leading them to Again Bridge In San Carlos, Arizona. As the runners reached their destination, Chairman Wendsler Nosie Sr. of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Vice Chairwoman Margaret Baha-Walker of the White Mountain Apache Tribe spoke words of proudness and encouragement to the Spirit of the Mountain runners.

On Friday, July 27, at 4 a.m. the runners began to leave Again Bridge, San Carlos, Arizona and head to our final destination, Treasure Park atop Mt. Graham. The day grew hotter but we ran through Bylas and Safford, each runner carrying the traditional staff that carries the prayers from all nations. The Spirit of the Mountain runners reached their destination on top of Mt. Graham at 2:30 p.m.

Filled with excitement the runners gathered together and Chairman Wendsler Nosie Sr. spoke to the runners about what they just accomplished. Each runner added in how they felt about this year's run. The runners from Philadelphia stated that, "They really enjoy the run this year and can't wait to come back next summer."

"This summer I was very excited for the run. Each week I grew with excitement as the run neared," San Carlos Apache 5th-year runner, Patrick Cutter expressed.

"It's good seeing new faces and a lot more people each year. Every year gets better and better,” San Carlos Apache runner Augustine Concha added.

Joel Paul Nosie a San Carlos Apache Runner stated, "Mt. Graham is a very powerful mountain. I'm very proud that Chairman Wendsler Nosie Sr. and everyone are running and fighting for this mountain. One day we will get the mountain back."

Fred, a runner that comes from France, added, "It's good to be back and watch all the runners grow up and seeing people from many generations join in on the run. I'm very honored to be apart of this sacred run."

The Spirit of the Mountain runners succeed in their journey to the top of mountain. They stayed on top of Mt. Graham for two nights, praying and practicing our tradition. The Spirit of the Mountain runners ran through the cities and towns giving those who see us a message that we will fight for what we believe and Mt. Graham will forever be our sacred land.