In soaring heat, polluted air and blowing dust, members of the International Indigenous Youth Council took a stand against continued hydraulic fracking in northwestern New Mexico. Over three days (June 24-26), the inter-tribal environmental justice nonprofit formed by Native American youth during the resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock, ran a relay course of 80 miles through the arid, hilly terrain of Turtle Island’s largest methane hot spot.

Navajo youth joined the International Indigenous Youth Council including a 10-year-old girl who, after a roadside offering of cornmeal and prayers, ran like the sleekest, surest arrow unleashed from the sturdiest bow, as spectators blinked back tears at the moving sight.

“We’re running and praying for the health of the earth, to keep her safe,” said Lauren Howland, 22, (San Carlos Apache and Diné), the event’s lead organizer. “We pray for the people who aren’t yet here, who haven’t yet touched the earth. We especially pray for them.”

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