About Peace and Dignity Journeys

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The Peace and Dignity Journeys originated in 1990 in Quito, Ecuador. In July of that year, Indigenous Peoples from as far north as the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and representatives from the Caribbean gathered to address the state of Indigenous Peoples and to organize a hemispheric response to the upcoming quincentennial celebration of the founding of the "New World" led by Christopher Columbus. This assembly in Ecuador under the Eagle and Condor Prophecy marked the first time Indigenous Peoples from Throughout Abya Yala had come together.

The Eagle symbolized the Indigenous Peoples of the North, and the Condor symbolized the Indigenous Peoples of the South. The gathering leaders encouraged participants to embrace the prophecy as a guiding principle. In 1991, participants from Quito and other Indigenous organizers met in New Mexico, leading to the birth of the Peace and Dignity Journeys.

The first Peace and Dignity Journeys were realized in 1992 with a commitment to organize these intercontinental spiritual runs every four years. Unfortunately, the 2020 Journeys had to be postponed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Peace and Dignity organizers and Indigenous Communities have reaffirmed their commitment to participate in the 2024 Peace and Dignity Journeys.

Indigenous Peoples spearhead the Peace and Dignity Journeys, with its core of ceremonial running transcends beyond an organization. This ancient practice acts as a vital conduit, preserving and revitalizing spiritual and cultural traditions. The essence of the Journeys seamlessly aligns with the broader commitment to fostering intertribal relationships across Abya Yala.