(see www.rangzen.com)

Much has happened since our update last week. Last weekend over 25 people walked, contending some rather gray & snowy weather. Many Tibetans & Westerners drove from Toronto to meet the march. Great inspiration to continue to receive such strong support from the Canadian community. One walker from Canada, Lobsang Khedup commented, "The walk reminds me of the trek I made across the Himalayas with my family when I was six years old."

On Saturday (March 22) evening, the walkers were treated to a momo feast driven down from Toronto by Tsering Dolma Gyaltong and her son Chimi. On Sunday (March 23), the walkers enjoyed a picnic of leftover momos, rice, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Quite a combo. Dinner was provided via a potluck hosted by The Unitarian Church of St. Catharines, Ontario. On Monday, the walkers gave a presentation at the Unitarian Church of St. Catharines, Ontario, while on Tuesday, they presented at Brock University. Tuesday evening, the walkers cooked for themselves (only the 2nd time) a delicious momo dinner. Kunchok (one of the Tibetan female walkers) baked tenmo & all sorts of other bread. YUM YUM!

Wednesday (March 26th) was the day that the walkers had been waiting for all week; they were to cross into the United States. Once the day's walk began, anticipating the excitement of crossing an international border, the walkers banged drums and chanted, "Free Tibet! China Out!" all the way through the Canadian town of Niagara arriving at the Rainbow Bridge at 11:00 AM. The local press were out in full force, at times making the crossing difficult, constantly asking Thubten Jigme Norbu (Taktser Rinpoche) to stop and pose with the Niagara Falls behind him. The walkers all remained patient knowing that the media's attention was critical when getting out the message, "Independence for Tibet."

The view from the Rainbow bridge was a beautiful sight. A cracked glacier of ice in the river below, mist rising from the falls, & the roar of wind & water. All the walkers were thinking about crossing the border between Tibet and Nepal, high in the Himalayas.

Midpoint on the bridge awaited a most honorable delegation, "The Keepers of the Western Door." Their Chiefs out in front & the people of the Tuscarora and Seneca Native American Nations following, all sang a song of friendship & welcomed Rinpoche & the Tibetans who followed him. Chief Norman Hill, after saying a blessing, received a kata, then Chief Leo Henry, then Chief Linley Logan, each received a kata. And then, Chief Linley Logan read the following powerful statement to the walkers & the press:

"We, Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse), are here to promote peace, understanding and goodwill among all our relations. As Keepers of the Western Door, we, Onondowaga (Seneca) welcome Thubten Jigme Norbu, Taktser Rinpoche, along with His Tibetan brothers & supporters marching for Tibetan independence. We carry a flag which symbolizes one of our wampum belts, known in English as the Five Nations belt. We wish the Tibetan people strength in their pursuit of human rights, the same rights we believe all who live on this Mother Earth are entitled to. All forms of oppression must cease not only for our survival but to fulfill our responsibilities to those faces yet unseen. Da Nay Ho (So be it)"

After this short ceremony on the bridge, Rinpoche & the walkers were escorted to US customs where the immigration officers were quite puzzled to suddenly find a mixed group of Tibetans, Native Americans, Canadians, & US citizens.

"What will be your mode of transportation while in the U.S.?" asked the officer.

"We are walking," answered Norbu.

"You're walking? Where did you start walking from?" (asked the officer)

"Toronto." answered Norbu.

"Toronto?" (asked the officer)

"Yes, Toronto. We are walking to New York." replied Norbu. "You're walking to New York?" (asked the officer) "Yes." responded Norbu.

It was rather a long conversation, but one that the walkers had gotten used to. People seem to have a hard time comprehending the fact that we are walking, and the immigration officers, in particular, had a hard time accepting it. However, once all their questions were answered, all the walkers crossed over to the USA.

Once all the marchers made it through customs, they all walked to Howard Johnsons for tea & lunch. Here Chief Norman Hill gave a blessing: "Before we do anything we always give a blessing," he began. "Even when two Indians meet in the road they give thanks to The Creator for being able to see each other and that they are both feeling well, and then they talk business or tell about what they are doing." Hill continued by explaining many of the blessings given to The Creator, "We give blessing for giving us our way of life, and we ask for no more than what is given. We bless the maple trees for all that they offer. We bless the rivers, streams, and lakes for bringing water for the plants in our gardens. We bless the stars that we follow when we are lost, the moon for it's cycle and the children that it brings (woman's cycle), and the sun for warming the Earth. We bless the strawberries, green corn, and string beans that we grow and in the Fall we have our Harvest Dance. We give blessings for this. We bless Thu

bten Jigme Norbu and ask The Creator to walk with him and give him a nice path and protection."

At this time, Rinpoche was presented with a corn rattle & a silver turtle pin with an explanation that the world is riding on the back of a turtle following the good word of peace. Rinpoche responded by saying, "Thank you very much for a great day. We Tibetans walked two weeks to make this crossing and are pleased to be met by our friends of The Nations. It is a great honor and privilege to be here with you. You give us great spirit to continue our work not just for Tibet but for this world where many people suffer." He also added, "in Tibetan society the turtle is also very important, for Buddhists believe that The Wheel of Life is set on the back of a turtle." To this, the people of The Nations clapped with joy & astonishment.

Then, all the Tibetan walkers were presented with gifts of woven grass bells & carved stone boxes. And, Rinpoche presented gifts of copies of His autobiography, "Tibet is my Country" & Tibetan incense. Reacting to the photograph of Rinpoche on the front cover of the book, Chief Linley Logan was heard saying, "Look! These boots he's wearing. They are the same as our boots!" It was truly an amazing day bringing together two peoples involved in similar struggles & who share many astonishing similarities in their cultures & religions.

To see images of this historic gathering of Tibetans, Native Americans, & Westerners, check out www.rangzen.com on the worldwide web. Once you arrive on the walk page, click on March 26th. By the way, this unbelievable gathering of the various Nations could not have happened without the active involvement of Harmon & Marcia Houghton, The PeaceWeavers, & Tere. We ALL THANK YOU!

On Thursday (March 27), the walkers successfully presented at SUNY-Brockport, while that evening, the group enjoyed a dinner & dance with the Native American Nations that welcomed them to their lands. This morning (Friday, March 28), Rinpoche & Dadon Dawa Dolma appeared on the AM Buffalo Television Show. This was the first time that a formal TV interview was held concerning the 1997 "March for Tibet's Independence." Dadon performed on this show.

To date, the walkers have covered approximately 140 miles. While most have contended with bad colds, all are even more energized by the walk & excited about what can happen when committed individuals pursue a simple task with deep motivation & common purpose. During this next week, the walkers will be approaching the Rochester, NY area. Everyone is quite anxious to finally come face to face with the wonderful community of supporters in Rochester.

We are still in need of funds to support the logistics of the walk & food for the walkers. We require about $15,000 (US dollars) & we would appreciate any amount of assistance. Checks can be mailed to:

Larry Gerstein, Director, International Tibet Independence Movement, PO Box 194 Fishers, Indiana 46038-0194, USA