‘Walk for a Nuclear Free Future’

[The Straight Story]

‘Walk for a Nuclear Free Future’
By Leeanne Root


CANASTOTA, N.Y. – The Central New York offices of Indian Country Today are typically rather quiet. But the sound of drums April 8 sparked the worker’s attention. A multicultural group of about 20 began a 700-mile “Walk for a Nuclear Free Future” March 7 in Salamanca, N.Y. to call attention to the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, which is scheduled for May 3.

According to an event announcement the treaty’s objective is “to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.”

Larry Bringing Good, a Cheyenne Arapahoe and Otoe Missouria from Troy, N.Y., said the walk began at the West Valley Nuclear Waste Site in Salamanca, “where erosion is going to cause nuclear waste to leak into the Great Lakes and contaminate the water.” He said waste “they say is lower hazard” has been stored there for years.

The walk was initiated by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, who chanted “Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo,” a Buddhist peace prayer along the way. Walkers plan on visiting six Native American territories in New York state.

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