A Dennis Banks Movement for the Seventh Generation! Dennis Banks introduced a bold plan to the Oakland AIM chapter, “The Longest Walk.” It began with the sunrise ceremony at Alcatraz Island on February 11, 1978, and then they walked from California to Washington, DC. The walk would take 5 ½ months, cross 14 states, compiling 36,000 miles, and crossing over 19 mountain passes. It would become an event to change history. Along the route, all the walkers collected signatures to defeat the anti-Indian bills. All of the 11 bills were defeated and the Native American Freedom of Religion Act was passed. Also passed that year was the Indian Child Welfare Act, giving control back to the tribes concerning decisions involving Indian children. The American Indian Religious Freedom Act which ended federal interference with American Indians practicing their religious traditions also passed that year. This symbolizes all of the walks and their mission blessed by Dennis Banks. Designed by Walter Copenhaver.
