| Yesterday and today
 |
| A
runner and the Wabanaki Confederacy logo on the Sacred Run
map.
© Ed Bassett Jr. |
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.
 |
| Run
starting point and finishing point (528 miles)
© 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. |
;)
;)
