With the slogan “Playa del Rey to West LA,” the Annual Four Corners Spirit Run has given Los Angeles an event to remember, celebrating forgotten Native American traditions. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the indigenous cultural history that is often overshadowed in Los Angeles, while bringing the “four corners” of LA back together in an event of unity.
This will be the sixth time Los Angeles has hosted the Spirit Run, and each year the run becomes more popular. The Four Corners Spirit Run is a celebration of Native American history and traditions, taking runners on a 12 mile course that winds through sacred indigenous sites across the city. West Wind Riders organizes the event, and the run is held in a typical relay fashion; teams are formed with enough people for the full length. The final leg of the run ends on the University High School campus.
Uni High is home to the Sacred Kuruvunga Springs, which is visible from the grove and upper field. The springs are a protected and cherished Tongva Nation Site. The springs continues to remain an important part of Uni despite land developments from the city and school district. The purpose of the Spirit Run is to remember and celebrate the historic Native American presence in the Los Angeles Area.
The event cherishes unity and indigenous awareness, bringing people together to remember the connection the indigenous people have to this land and that they still cherish their history. Several Uni students participated in the event, including Pedro Rivas, Mati Lara, Gema Mateo, Carlos Santiago, Juan Carlos Gutierrez and Brenda Mendez. Anyone is welcome to participate.
Maria Lomeli, Spanish teacher, said of the Spirit Run, “The run gives students a great opportunity to get in touch with Los Angeles indigenous roots. It is a great experience to have.” Although only a few students participated, Lomeli hopes that in the coming years, there will be an increase in student participation in the Annual Spirit Run.
At the beginning of August, another similar event celebrating indigenous history will meet in Los Angeles. In mid-August, runners will be passing through LA and Uni on their way to Guatemala in December to celebrate in Mayan calendar.. This event is the Peace and Dignity Journey, celebrating Water and its underappreciated importance to our daily lives.
According to the official Spirit Run website, “Good energy, respect for Mother Earth, and a desire to build community is all that is needed” to be a part of the event.