Canku Ota
	(Many Paths)
	An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
	June 29, 2002 - Issue 64
	Young Princess Prepares for Walk Across America
	by Sararesa Begay The Navajo Times
	credits:Sherelle Lynn Walker shakes hands with Friday at Red Rock Elementary school in Gallup during a rally for the students to thank local police and fire fighters. Photo by Gallup Independent

Window Rock, AZ - While most young Navajos are enjoying their summer with lazy days, day dreaming and spending time hanging out, one young Navajo woman is preparing herself for a challenging four-month trek across the country. For the remainder of the year, Sherelle Lynne Walker of Gallup will walk thousands of miles for the causes she believes in. Walker, who was crowned Young Golden Eagle 911 Warrior Society Princess in January, will begin her walk from Fort McArthur Military Base in San Pedro, Calif., and end at Washington, D.C. Walker, 17, along with her family and 250 supporters, will begin "The Walk for the Law" July 1. Their planned route goes through the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, North Carolina and Virginia. The walk will end appropriately on Veterans' Day, Nov. 11. "(The walk) is for our young men and women serving in Afghanistan, and for our police officers who protect and safeguard our country," Walker said. The idea to walk for different causes came to Walker and several members of the "Walk with the Warriors" organization of Farmington during a planning meeting at Walker's mother's house a year ago. There are four main issues Walker is trying to bring public awareness to: to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial; the children of Agent Orange; children's benefits; and to encourage youth to attain their goals. "The sky is the limit," Walker said. Walker will miss the fall semester of school at Gallup High. she has been fundraising for the walk in front of the Gallup Wal-Mart Store. Walker and her family have T-shirts, posters and mugs available for purchase. The proceeds will fund Walker's four-month trek across the country. The estimated cost of the walk is $10,000, according to Walker's older sister Cheryl Walker-Charles. Walker has been training for her 38-mile-a-day walk by walking all over the city of Gallup. "We walk around a couple of miles and even barefoot to toughen up our feet," Walker said. Walker and her family have been walking from the west side of Gallup to Wal-Mart, and from the city's east side to the west side. "We would like anyone or everyone to join us in the walk," Walker said. "Even if it's a couple of steps ... I encourage the youth to come out and walk." Lastly, Walker noted that she and her family members will be carrying a 100-yard scroll representing all six wars and members of the public are encouraged to sign their names, and which veteran they are walking for. Walker will be representing the National Native American Youth Coalition, Walk with the Warriors, and the Young Golden Eagle 911 Warrior Society. Donations can be made to P.O. Box 4923, Gallup, N.M. 87305 or call (505) 726-1759. www.expedia.com

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