Mission

Statement of Intention

I believe that Spirit gave me the name Wyetta in order to honor the woman that saved my great grandmother’s life. By bicycling the Trail of Tears, I intend to learn more about the heritage, culture, music and traditions of what I suspect are her ancestors.

The name Wyetta is phonetically between Huallata (Wai ata) of South American origin and Wayita of North American origin. Some indigenous mythoi prophesize that the Earth will awaken and the light will return when the eagle of the north and the condor of the south fly together again. By riding the removal route, I offer my energy to help the eagle and the condor find their way.

Many spiritual, cultural, legal, and political heritages place a large amount of value on the principle of justice. I find that the principle of atonement resonates more with me than justice. Healing happens when perpetrators become aware of their actions and atone for their trespasses. White ancestors stole from, raped, tortured, injured, and killed many Cherokee people. By bicycling the Trail of Tears, I intend to carry a prayer of atonement for some of their actions.

Precedence

In 1984, and from 2009 to the present, The Cherokee Nation and the East Band of Cherokee Indians have engaged in a “Remember the Removal” bicycle ride from New Echota, GA to Talequah, OK. Remember the Removal is a leadership program in which 10-20 Cherokee youth ride the Northern Route of the Trail of Tears. During their ride, they learn about the history, tradition, governance, and culture of their ancestors. The ride typically takes place in late spring.

The Trail of Tears is recognized as a National Historic Trail by the US National Park Service. Several sites along the trail have been officially certified as national historic sites.

In 2013, a small group of individuals, drove the trail of tears as a pilgrimage. The event was sponsored by the Peacemakers for Sacred Healing as part of their efforts to bring about national reconciliation with America’s First People.

In 2014 & 2016, I bicycled two different routes of the Camino de Santiago, one ~800 km across Spain, the other 300 km across Portugal. Those pilgrimages prepared me for this one.