Determined to continue, the next course of action was to have a celebration and reunion. This took place in Covelo at a campground on the reservation over the weekend of September 11 and 12. Long time supporters and trial attendees came together with Bay Area prison reform activists whom Bear had met through speaking engagements since being released. There was a good turnout by the Covelo Native Americans, as well. The food table overflowed at dinner Saturday and breakfast Sunday.
As with all LPDA events, prayer was an important part of the ceremony. Acknowledgment was given for work done and memories were shared. We listened to traditional drumming and song, and watched as young Indians left their games of tag and football to dance their cultural heritage, demonstrating steps learned at pow wows they attend, teaching and learning from each other. Several people performed song and music. A highlight was a circle dance in which we all joined together, Blacks, Indians, and Whites. The joy and good will was palpable around that circleÑwe shared the experience of racial harmony as it is meant to be.
There was a trip to the site of the April, 1995, shootings on Little Valley Road, where a monument has been built. Some people went to the tribal office to greet the people participating in a walk from Chico, tracing the relocation march route followed by Indians brought to Round Valley. Many of those ancestors died along the way.
The reunion will be an annual event. If you would like to receive mailings from LPDA, leave a message at the MEC.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1999
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited