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(<- Previous Report) March 26, 1997 (Next Report ->)

Thubten Jigme Norbu is met by representatives of the Six Nation Iroquois Confederacy, Chief Norman Hill (Center, blue coat), Chief Linley Logan (tan coat), and Chief Leo Henry (right, red coat), halfway across the Rainbow Bridge on the border between Canada and The United States.

Anticipating the excitement of crossing an international border, the walkers banged drums and chanted, "Free Tibet! China Out!" all the way through the Canadian town of Niagara arriving at the Rainbow Bridge at 11:00 AM. The local press were out full force, at times making the crossing difficult, constantly asking Norbu to stop and pose with Niagara Falls behind him, but the walkers all remained patient knowing that the media's attention is critical in getting out the message, "Independence for Tibet."

And it was a beautiful sight. A cracked glacier of ice in the river below, mist rising from the falls and the roar of wind and water; thoughts on everyone's mind of crossing the border between Tibet and Nepal high in the Himalayas.

Midpoint on the bridge awaited a most honorable delegation, The Keepers of the Western Door. Their Chiefs out in front, the people of the Tuscarora and Seneca Nations, sang a song of friendship and welcomed Thubten Jigme Norbu and the Tibetans who followed him. Chief Norman Hill, after saying a blessing, received a kata, then Chief Leo Henry, then Chief Linley Logan. And then Chief Linley Logan read the following statement:

"We, Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse), are here to promote peace, understanding and goodwill among all our relations. As Keepers of the Western Door, we, Onondowaga (Seneca) welcome Thubten Jigme Norbu, Takster Rinpoche along with his Tibetan brothers and supporters marching for Tibetan independence. We carry a flag which symbolizes one of our wampum belts, known in English as the Five Nations belt. We wish the Tibetan people strength in their pursuit of human rights, the same rights we believe all who live on this Mother Earth are entitled to. All forms of oppression must cease not only for our survival but to fulfill our responsibilities to those faces yet unseen.

Da Nay Ho (So be it)

After this short ceremony Norbu and the walkers were escorted to US customs where the immigration officers where quite puzzled to suddenly find a mixed group of Tibetans, Native Americans, Canadians and US citizens. "What will be your mode of transportation while in the U.S.?" asked the officer.

"We are walking," answered Norbu.

"You're walking? Where did you start walking from?"

"Toronto." answered Norbu.

"Toronto?"

"Yes, Toronto. We are walking to New York." replied Norbu.

"You're walking to New York?"

"Yes."

It was a rather long conversation, but one that the walkers have gotten used to. People seem to have a hard time comprehending the fact that we are walking, and the immigration officers in particular had a hard time accepting it. However, once all their questions were answered all the walkers crossed over to the USA.

Once all the marchers made it through customs they all walked to Howard Johnsons for tea and lunch. Here Chief Norman Hill gave a blessing. "Before we do anything we always give a blessing, " he began. "Even when two Indians meet in the road they give thanks to The Creator for being able to see each other and that they are both feeling well, and then they talk business or tell about what they are doing." Hill continued by explaining many of the blessings given to The Creator, "We give blessing for giving us our way of life, and we ask for no more than what is given. We bless the maple trees for all that they offer. We bless the rivers, streams and lakes for bringing water for the plants in our gardens. We bless the stars that we follow when we are lost, the moon for it's cycle and the children that it brings (woman's cycle), and the sun for warming the Earth. We bless the strawberries, green corn and string beans that we grow and in the Fall we have our Harvest Dance. We give blessings for this. We bless Thubten Jigme Norbu and ask The Creator to walk with him and give him a nice path and protection."

At this time Norbu was presented with a corn rattle and a silver turtle pin with an explanation that the world is riding on the back of a turtle following the good word of peace.

Norbu responded by saying, "Thank you very much for a great day. We Tibetans walked two weeks to make this crossing and are pleased to be met by our friends of The Nations. It is a great honor and privilege to be here with you. You give us great spirit to continue our work not just for Tibet but for this world where many people suffer." He also added that in Tibetan society the turtle is also very important for the Buddhist believe that The Wheel of Life is set on the back of a turtle. To this the people of The Nations clapped with joy and astonishment.

Then all the Tibetan walkers were presented with gifts of woven grass bells and carved stone boxes.

And Norbu presented gifts of copies of his autobiography, "Tibet is my Country" and Tibetan incense. Reacting to the photograph of Norbu on the cover of the book, Chief Linley Logan was heard saying, "Look! These boots he's wearing. They are the same as our boots!"

It was truly an amazing day bringing together two peoples involved in similar struggles and who share many astonishing similarities in their cultures and religions.

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International Tibet Independence Movement
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