Passing the Harmony torch

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Buffalo Runners Justin White Cow and Michael Small Legs from the Piikani Nation participated in the 25th annual World Harmony Run, which passed through Pincher Creek on Friday afternoon, May 4.

The Harmony Run was founded in 1987 by Sri Chinmoy, a spiritualist born in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) who moved to New York in his thirties to better spread his philosophy.

Originally called the Peace Run, in this UNESCO sanctioned event relay runners pass a flaming torch from hand to hand on a journey that will pass through more than 120 nations in a goodwill effort, eschewing to espouse any political cause or to raise money, focusing instead on creating greater understanding and harmony among the people of the world.

Harmony Runners entering Pincher Creek
C. Davis photo

The western Canada leg of this year's run began in Tofino, British Columbia on Friday, April 20, and is scheduled to end in Calgary today, May 8 after a journey of about 1400 kilometres.  The runners braved high winds on Friday while running from Brocket to Pincher Creek, coming to a respite at the NAPI Centre, where they were greeted by NAPI  Principal and Teacher Ken Williams and several Piikani Elders.

Buffalo Runners Michael Small Legs and Justin White Cow
C. Davis photo

The Canadian team of Harmony Runners includes Sarvagata Ukrainskyi, Dimitriy Dudko, Daniel Steward, Manoshri Sykorova, Yatkara Aleksapolskyy, Amburoha, Prapti Jensen, Salil Wilson, Gautami, Varunavi, Brahmata Michael, originally from Sulabha Wisniewski, and Moni.  They hail from many places, including Yellowknife, Ukraine, Slovakia, Switzerland, Calgary, Vancouver, Czech Republic, and New York City.  "I'm Justin, I'm from Brocket, and I live just across the street," said Justin White Cow to general laughter as introductions were being made.

"Virtually everything that is done in the Blackfoot way, when you're taking there has to be a giving, to maintain balance in life," Ken Williams said.  "A lot of the ceremonies are based on this idea of returning and giving something back."

After watching a video highlighting the history and meaning of the Harmony Run, Piikani Elder Leander Strikes With A Gun spoke of the importance to the Blackfoot people of the Buffalo Runner tradition as his grandson Michael Small Legs prepared a smudge ceremony to share with the assembled guests.  

Related links:
www.worldharmonyrun.org
www.buffalorunner.ca