A 100-mile path not forgotten
Corning, California – September 20, 2025 – Today marks the final day of the 7-day, 100-mile Nome Cult Walk, a walk from Chico, California to Round Valley, California. This walk is held each year in remembrance of those who were forced to make the same trek in 1863.
In 1863, 461 Native Americans including Nomlaki, Yuki, Wailacki, Concow, Little Lake Pomo, Pit River, Maidu, and Nisenan people were forced from their homelands and marched over 100 miles to Round Valley. Many did not survive the full path, and the lasting impact of this forced removal is still felt today.
Thirty years ago, eight individuals, Fred (Coyote) Downey, Georgina Wright, Sonja Miller Thinn, Greg Downey, Damon Mota, Ransome (Ben) Gray, Charlotte Bauer, and Maria Litzen came together to retrace this path. Their intention was to honor the past and to gain a deeper understanding of what their ancestors endured. The Nome Cult Walk has grown into an annual tradition of remembrance, reflection, and healing.
Each day the walk began at sunrise and continued until sunset, with participants camping overnight before rising to walk again. What started with the “crazy eight” has grown over the years. This year more than 75 walkers joined the walk at different points throughout the week. Over time, the walk has also evolved with additional support, while still holding true to its purpose. Beyond the journey itself, it serves as a ceremony of remembrance and reflection.
This year, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe and Chico State University hosted a public event the day before the walk began. The event included a tour, a video presentation, and an elders panel featuring six women who shared their stories and experiences with the walk, offering powerful insights into its meaning and impact.
Chairman Brandin Paya of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians shared:
“The Nome Cult Walk stands as a reminder of the hardships our ancestors endured. It is our responsibility to honor their memory and to educate future generations about this history, ensuring that they’re never forgotten. It is a path walked not just by our people, but by many tribes who carry this history together.”
While the walkers reach Round Valley today, the impact of the Nome Cult Walk continues to resonate. Each step taken serves as a bridge between past and present, honoring those who endured unimaginable hardship while inspiring future generations to walk with compassion and understanding.
To learn more and gain a deeper understanding of the walk, visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website to view their video created: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/features/100-mile-trek
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ABOUT THE PASKENTA BAND OF NOMLAKI INDIANS
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is a resilient and vibrant Tribe based in the Corning area of Northern California. As a recognized sovereign nation, they own several businesses within Tehama County, employing nearly 1,000 people within the local community. The Tribe’s enterprises include Rolling Hills Clinic, Tepa Companies, Paskenta Mad River Brewing, and Rolling Hills Casino & Resort. The Rolling Hills Casino & Resort features a casino, two hotel towers, four restaurants, two conference centers, RV Park, Travel Center, Equestrian Center, Golf Course, Obsidian Amphitheater, and Paskenta Brewery and Distillery. Each year, guests visit Rolling Hills Casino, bringing with them tourist dollars that benefit the local economy. Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is a strong community partner supporting local programs through its Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation.
Media Contact:
Patricia Gutierrez
Marketing Communications Manager
Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians
530-737-8818