From ancient times, even before the Europeans came to America, the Sacred Run was a living tradition among Native people. As the centuries went by, the tradition virtually disappeared. But approximately 30 years ago, the Sacred Run was revived and is still being run today. Runs are now organized in various countries on every continent. The tradition is admired by many, but it also has detractors.
From ancient times, even before the Europeans came to America, the Sacred Run was a living tradition among Native people. As the centuries went by, the tradition virtually disappeared. But approximately 30 years ago, the Sacred Run was revived and is still being run today. Runs are now organized in various countries on every continent. The tradition is admired by many, but it also has detractors.
© 2002, CHIN. All Rights Reserved.
A runner and the Wabanaki Confederacy logo on the Sacred Run map.
Ed Bassett Jr.
© Ed Bassett Jr.
Run starting point and finishing point (528 miles).
Ed Bassett Jr.
© Ed Bassett Jr.
The Penawahpskiek, also called Penobscot, who lived in the State of Maine in the United States, were the first to bring the tradition to our attention. The runners were called "pure men" or "couriers". In each family "clan", young men were designated as couriers or runners to carry messages to distant villages. These men had to follow many stringent rules to meet their obligations. Indeed, runners had to live among men only and any physical contact with women was prohibited because it was thought it might affect their stamina. Pure men were chosen for their agility and their ability to cover long distances. Being a part of the group was considered a great honour in the community. When the Europeans arrived, they were no longer considered simply athletes and the restriction on relations with women were lifted.
The Penawahpskiek, also called Penobscot, who lived in the State of Maine in the United States, were the first to bring the tradition to our attention. The runners were called "pure men" or "couriers". In each family "clan", young men were designated as couriers or runners to carry messages to distant villages. These men had to follow many stringent rules to meet their obligations. Indeed, runners had to live among men only and any physical contact with women was prohibited because it was thought it might affect their stamina. Pure men were chosen for their agility and their ability to cover long distances. Being a part of the group was considered a great honour in the community. When the Europeans arrived, they were no longer considered simply athletes and the restriction on relations with women were lifted.
Starting point at Big Cove.
Ed Bassett Jr.
© Ed Bassett Jr.
The Sacred Run tradition involved sending a message, news or information from another community, and most often a single runner rather than a group of runners was sent. On the other hand, when the distances were very great, several pure men might run a form of relay race, an event which is much better known now that it is part of the Olympic Games. Before each trip, the designated runner or runners took part in a ceremony in their honour, which was organized by the community shaman, who prayed for the success of each runner; he gave each one a tobacco pouch filled with medicinal herbs, which the runner would wear around his neck throughout his mission, like an amulet or precious talisman. The pure man or the group would leave the community with the message and go to the designated location to deliver the news to the recipients.
The Sacred Run tradition involved sending a message, news or information from another community, and most often a single runner rather than a group of runners was sent. On the other hand, when the distances were very great, several pure men might run a form of relay race, an event which is much better known now that it is part of the Olympic Games. Before each trip, the designated runner or runners took part in a ceremony in their honour, which was organized by the community shaman, who prayed for the success of each runner; he gave each one a tobacco pouch filled with medicinal herbs, which the runner would wear around his neck throughout his mission, like an amulet or precious talisman. The pure man or the group would leave the community with the message and go to the designated location to deliver the news to the recipients.
© 2002, CHIN. All Rights Reserved.
Runners passing the stick between Big Cove and Odanak.
Ed Bassett Jr.
© Ed Bassett Jr.
Today's runners have no restrictions placed upon them and they are no longer chosen by the community. Anyone, including non-Native people, can become runners. Although most runners are men, some women now take part. In addition, Sacred Runs are organized on every continent and in countries other than Canada and the United States, including Australia, Japan, Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Norway, Finland, and New Zealand.
Today's runners have no restrictions placed upon them and they are no longer chosen by the community. Anyone, including non-Native people, can become runners. Although most runners are men, some women now take part. In addition, Sacred Runs are organized on every continent and in countries other than Canada and the United States, including Australia, Japan, Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Norway, Finland, and New Zealand.
© 2002, CHIN. All Rights Reserved.
Odanak sign as seen by the runners upon their arrival.
Ed Bassett Jr.
© Ed Bassett Jr.
Most of the messages delivered by the runners speak of peace and are intended for individuals, communities or even countries. Most runners speak about the virtues they practise and the feelings they have during these long distance runs on behalf of a cause: determination, courage, fortitude, euphoria, happiness, hope, friendship and understanding others. The benefits of the sport come at the expense of arduous physical and mental effort. Heat, cold, thirst, hunger and injuries are all obstacles to success. Once the run is over, the runners say that they feel renewed pride, because they have taken a giant step towards a new future.
Most of the messages delivered by the runners speak of peace and are intended for individuals, communities or even countries. Most runners speak about the virtues they practise and the feelings they have during these long distance runs on behalf of a cause: determination, courage, fortitude, euphoria, happiness, hope, friendship and understanding others. The benefits of the sport come at the expense of arduous physical and mental effort. Heat, cold, thirst, hunger and injuries are all obstacles to success. Once the run is over, the runners say that they feel renewed pride, because they have taken a giant step towards a new future.
© 2002, CHIN. All Rights Reserved.
Learning Objectives
The learner will:
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Describe the origins and history of the Sacred Run
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Describe the significance of the Sacred Run
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Describe the role of the messages in the Sacred Run, and the kind of messages relayed today
