The Korima Run – Let's restore the balance

I’ve been truly blessed, in my recent life, to have been welcome and taught in several Native American cultures. Regardless of the obvious differences and despite the shameful, sad heritage I represent, I was always invited with open arms and hearts, with kindness and consideration. This display of pure Humanity has had a profound impact on me, on my world views and on the way I try to interact with others.

The Raramuri People of the Copper Canyons were the first in this series of encounters. For almost ten years now, I’ve had the immense privilege of getting to know them, of developing friendships and of learning some of their ways and the heritage of the wonderful, mystical place they call home.

One of my first worries when the COVID-19 virus hit the planet was the devastation it could potentially cause among Native communities. Then, as the crisis unfolded, I realized that not only the illness itself was a danger, but also all the consequences it carried with it. The world has locked down. More than half the Human population on Earth are under quarantine, fearful and deprived of basic liberties in a desperate attempt to contain the propagation and save the people most at risk. Businesses have closed, employment is scarce and help of any kind is hardly sent to remote locations.

My Mas Loco friends share my worries. A couple days ago, we were able to get news from the Barrancas and ask how our Raramuri friends are doing in these trying times. The news was not good.

The last crop season was bad because of the hot, dry weather and the yields in corn, chia, amaranth and other basic Canyons commodities was too low. This was made worse when the crisis started hitting Mexico. All around the Copper Canyons, there are small communities and farmlands which, in normal times, can sometimes provide a bit of work for local Raramuri people, who often travel far from their homes just to get a day or two of paid work, and then bring back meager sums to sustain their families. This already is a hard and uncertain life under usual circumstances. Now that we have to live with COVID-19, almost all these already-rare sources of income have disappeared. Those who have a little more are either not around or not able to share anything that trickles out in the communities. And sustenance farming hasn’t improved either. 

Above and beyond the looming risk of the coronavirus, Raramuri communities are suffering from its effects on social organization. Substance and alcohol abuse are on the rise, as well as domestic mistreatment and violence. The almost non-existent health facilities cannot deal with any kind of surge in case of a local flare-up. The grip of local powers hasn’t loosened either and the stress is ever present. Some of our close friends are doing very poorly right now. We are sad and worried. 

So we asked, how can we help?

With the incredible nobility I’ve always witnessed since meeting them, their answer came back. With the quiet, humble power of rolling thunder.

“Mother Earth has lost her balance and, with her, Humans too.” “Please join us to restore it”.

The Raramuri tradition is rich and mysterious, but one thing we know is their firm belief in the interconnection between Humans and the Planet. This is a great truth they share with numerous other cultures around the world. Traveling the Earth, moving and living on it using our own feet, is sacred and a very ancient, deeply rooted form of prayer.

So that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to join our friends in the most Human way we know. We will all use our feet, wherever we are, to drum our footsteps onto Mother Earth in unison. We will show support. We will show respect. We will show kinship.

Some of us will travel one mile. Others maybe hundreds. Some of us will dance. Some will walk. But every single one of us is going to join a movement of hope and connection. We will create deeper meaning. We will unite our hearts and minds and try to restore a bit of balance. In our bodies, in our minds and definitely in our hearts. This is the idea of the Korima Run.

So here you have it. Between May 16 and 23, I invite you all to join us. Go outside, or even stay in, but spend a moment uniting with and supporting the Raramuri. Send us videos, photos, texts, songs, or anything you feel like to show you’ve been here with us, with everyone, in this important moment.

We are One.

May 16 - 23, 2020 - All over the world