Indigenous led ‘Trail of Truth’ travels through Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – An increasing number of states recognize this holiday as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. And Indigenous people from one west coast tribe traveled through the Capital Region recently to drum up support for their cause.

The ‘Trail of Truth’ was led by the chairwoman of that west coast tribe that’s looking for the federal government to officially recognize their tribe and culture. 

In a social media video the Muwekma Ohlone Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh explained the significance of the group’s journey.

“What does road mean? For some it’s a journey to explore the world. For others it's a path to self discovery but for me, it’s the trail of truth, guiding my people to find our place in this new world,” said Nijmeh.

Muwekma Ohlone tribal members and others traveled across the country, and through the Capital Region, drumming up support so the tribe can gain federal recognition – which is typically a lengthy and expensive process.

On their journey from San Francisco to D.C., they made their way through the Cattaraugus Reservation September 29, Niagara Falls October 2, Akwesasne October 5-7, Shinnecock Nation October 8 and made a pit stop in Times Square October 9.

According to tribal member Joey Iyolopixtli, the hardest part is that their existence as a tribe has been well documented since first contact, by missions and higher education institutions.

He said although the state and federal governments have yet to officially recognize them, they’ve been welcomed with open arms by tribal nations throughout the U.S. 

“The Akwesasne Mohawk, Haudenosaunee, they sent three of their young warriors to come and assist us,” said Iyolopixtli. “Engaged in our songs and our cultures, we shared our cultures with one another.” 

He said that cultural exchange has meant the most to them and he talked about the importance of building up inter-tribal solidarity. 

“The only way that we can find solutions is unity to bring back the balance because it’s the earth. we don’t fight because we want the land, we fight because we are the land,” said Iyolopixtli.

Tribal members said gaining recognition would not only end the erasure of their culture but it would help them access vital resources like healthcare and education. 

“The goal of the ‘Trail of Truth’ is to restore our deep connection to the land, which is the foundation of our identity,” said Nijmeh.

Although the group was in D.C. on Monday, they talked to NEWS10 and extended a big thank you to the tribal nations in New York State.