Sen. Linda Lopez Senate District 11 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
The Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas (Esto’k Gna) is organizing a youth-led event titled "Bridge to the Ancestors." This week-long run and walk aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of extractive industries on their sacred lands. The event begins with an opening ceremony on March 24 at Monahans Sandhills State Park in Monahans, Texas. Over ten days, tribal members will visit eight communities, concluding with a celebration on April 2 in Port Isabel, Texas.
The route of #BridgetotheAncestors2023 traverses through the Tribe’s lands, highlighting sacred sites and addressing the destruction caused by extractive industries. It also serves as an opportunity for tribal members to share their history and stories with younger generations. This journey retraces, in reverse, the path taken by their ancestors who fled Spanish occupation in the 1700s.
Juan Mancias, Tribal Chairman of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas (Esto’k Gna), along with co-organizers Christa Mancias and Deanna Santiago, are available for comment regarding this event and its significance. They can provide insights into how these industries impact tribal lands unjustly.
For security reasons, specific details about the locations along the route are not publicly disclosed. However, journalists interested in learning more about each day's community visits can contact tribal members directly.
Updates throughout the walk will be shared via social media using hashtags such as #BridgeToTheAncestors2023 and #SaveOurSacredSites.
