Yatika Starr Fields (Osage, Muscogee, Cherokee) completes the Western States Endurance Run 100! This was months of heart work. Our Running on Native Lands Initiative is about uplifting Indigenous voices whose lands we run with. Our goal is to work with race directors, brands, companies and groups to bring not only a Land Acknowledgement to the event, but to bring Indigenous Peoples to the event, advocate for their compensation, educate the community, offer comped entries, work with those involved to donate back into the community/programs and make running more accessible, safe, inclusive and visible not only for Indigenous Peoples but for everyone. We also hope those who are non-Indigenous are able to gain a new perspective and connection with the lands, to live in better kinship with the lands and with each other for our next generations. This is beautiful collaboration with @guenergylabs to support @yatikafields , to uplift and include the Wašiw community (exciting things have opened up for them now and for the next year to come), our Running on Native Lands Initiative and bringing together a fantastic and inspiring crew! Many firsts happened: ☑️ Land Acknowledgement at the Training Camp by Herman Fillmore ☑️ Wašiw presentation during WSER ☑️ Indigenous Panel ☑️ Poster made by Yatika and inspired by Herman’s recommendations of landscapes ☑️ Land Acknowledgement at the WSER Runner’s Meeting by Herman !?️Indigenous Peoples of these lands are the first to use these trails, what we know as WSER. Yet, when we speak to WSER as a race, Yatika may be the first Native person to have run this race (still researching) Wopila tanka, many thanks to: GU Energy Labs, @runboulet @strava, Herman & Helen Fillmore & community for the belief in our heart work! Lila Wopila tanka, thank you very much to @yatikafields for saying yes! And for bringing an amazing team together! Thank you @llcooljennings @hoorayley @williamsdbrian @craigcurley_ @maryarnoldnyc @patrickreaganrunning, Jason, and all who supported Yatika! Much love to @tdaniel01 for helping and taking care of baby Čhaské! And much gratitude and appreciation to @devinwhetstone for helping to film with me!