Third Annual Trail of Tears Virtual Journey Kicks Off in March
Registration is open now for the virtual walk that begins on March 1 (Spots are now full)
Published February 9, 2023
DURANT, Okla. – The Third Annual Trail of Tears Virtual Journey starts March 1, 2023 and concludes on May 31, 2023. This year’s virtual/online route will take participants over 620 miles from Nanih Waiya Mound in Mississippi to Nanih Waiya in Oklahoma through cities such as Memphis, Little Rock, and Fort Smith. Participants will have until May 31, 2023 to complete the journey via an app.
The app, called Walker Tracker, uses any step-counter to track and log steps. Participants have a three-month span to complete the journey. The app will display the route, where your team is along the journey and others’ team members are on their journey. Complete instructions are found on the Choctaw Nation webpage.
The Trail of Tears Virtual Journey started in 2021 when the Choctaw Nation Healthy Lifestyles Team brainstormed how to get all Choctaw tribal members outside and moving amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. “Giving them the virtual challenge gave a purpose to many of our members,” says Doris Winlock, Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator. “They were excited to learn about the journey our ancestors took.”
Over 1,000 people joined the challenge last year and 700 completed the journey. “We wanted to make it reasonable for all levels of activity, so the participants were allowed to have teams of three if they wanted,” explains Winlock. Participation expanded to 41 states in the U.S. and 3 other countries.
To join the challenge, participants can review the details of the Virtual Trail of Tears. Everyone is invited to participate and upon finishing will receive a medal and certificate through the mail. Winlock says, “Round up a couple of your friends and sign up today!”
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About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 212,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity.
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