NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The 22nd annual Nome Cult Walk from Chico to the Round Valley Indian Reservation in Covelo will take place Sept. 9 to Sept. 16.
The 100-mile trek crosses through the northern part of the Mendocino National Forest and follows the route that Americans Indians were forced to march from Chico to the Nome Cult Reservation in 1863.
Descendants of the native peoples who took part in the original relocation and other supporters walk the route each year.
Although the path itself has disappeared, this route is now called the Nome Cult Trail.
The theme of the walk is “Honor their memory … a path not forgotten.”
In September 1863, 461 American Indians were marched under guard from Chico to the Nome Cult Reservation nearly 100 miles across the Sacramento Valley and rugged North Coast Range. Only 277 completed the journey.
The removal of American Indians from Chico to the Nome Cult Reservation is one of the many forced relocations following the establishment of reservations in Northern California in the 1850s.
Several different tribes were moved to the Nome Cult Reservation after it was established in Round Valley in 1856.
Organizers said the walkers will gather at Bidwell Park in Chico on Sept. 9 and begin their walk toward Orland. Stopover points will include campgrounds in Orland and Log Springs, Wells Cabin, Eel River Ranger Station and then on to the Round Valley Indian Reservation.
The Mendocino National Forest asks that people traveling on forest roads along the trail route be mindful of the event and careful of the walkers to ensure their safety.
Nome Cult Trail annual walk begins Sept. 9
- Lake County News reports
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