*Natives Run* the Boston Marathon
The Ohketeau Cultural Center Natives Run initiative; in partnership with the Boston Athletic Association have secured four Bibs for local Tribal Citizens of New England to Run in the Boston Marathon! This is indeed a monumental moment for all of our Tribes, communities, and all of New England. Let's celebrate these champions as we make history!
We are super excited for the four champions representing the Tribes of our region:
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CJ “Cheveyo” Toney (Hassanamisco Nipmuc)
Is a passionate health and wellness advocate dedicated to becoming the best version of himself for his family and friends. Since 2015, he has worked as a personal and group fitness instructor (certified in Olympic Weightlifting and Group HIIT classes) and, in 2022, expanded his mission by launching a consulting business that teaches others how to grow their own food and medicine—whether on their land or in their homes. Committed to empowering his community, CJ enjoys helping people of all ages take control of their health and live purposeful, fulfilling lives. In his free time, he cherishes moments with family and friends while inspiring others to embrace holistic wellness, and to have fun doing it.
"Running in this marathon means Everything to me—an opportunity to honor and celebrate my family, past and present, and to run for something far greater than myself. On sacred Indigenous land, this race represents my dedication, hard work, and the chance to carry every single person with me across the finish line on one of the most meaningful days of my life. I hold the opportunity to run this marathon with great honor and was excited to tell my Grandma and family." - CJ “Cheveyo” Toney
(CJ is pictured with his Grandmother Nellie Toney, who is also an Elder Tribal Council member of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band)
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Dale Lolar- Penobscot Tribal Elder, lifelong ceremonial runner throughout INDIAN COUNTRY. Outdoorsman.
Retired Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor. Prevention specialist who worked with tribal youth for more than 20 years.
Proud Dad and Grandfather.
"It’s with the utmost gratitude and awareness of the gifts that have been bestowed on me that I accept this opportunity and challenge to run the Boston Marathon.
I am very honored to run this historic path of the Nipmuc people and generations before and those to come." - Woliwon, Dale Lolar, Indian Island, Me. (Menehan)
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Summer Coblyn Confuorto- (Gros Ventre, Cree, Mi’kmaq) was born and raised in Falmouth, MA. Growing up near the Native community of Mashpee, she gained a deep passion and appreciation for Northeastern Native traditional knowledge and art forms. She currently serves as the Program Officer for Traditional Arts at Mass Cultural Council, supporting traditional artists and culture bearers across the state. Summer worked previously for the New England Foundation for the Arts on its Native American Arts grant program and has many years of experience at cultural organizations, including the (formerly known as) Wampanoag Indigenous Program at Plimoth Patuxet and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.
Summer has been a runner for most of her life, participating in many races over the years. She runs for many reasons, most importantly for her ancestors, including her grandparents, who hold a special place in her heart.
“For many Native people, endurance running is not just a physical activity but a spiritual one; running the Boston Marathon will be a powerful opportunity to honor my ancestors, the land, and amplify the enduring history and continued presence of Native people in New England and beyond.” -With gratitude, Summer Coblyn Confuorto
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Ryan Laughing Owl Caulfield is from Delaware and was reunited with The Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band through his mother, Kathy Dancing Shadow Caulfield.
Ryan strives to uphold the love and unity demonstrated by the tribe in his daily life. A fledgling runner, Ryan began running with the encouragement of his friends and his oldest brother, Steven White Buck Caulfield, who have shared with him the excitement and sense of community that comes from the sport. He currently works in Art Storage with wonderfully creative people, and during his free time enjoys reading, creating stories, and telling bad jokes.
"I experience a lot of joy and peace when I run, and that's in part due to how connected I feel with my fellow runners when I'm pushing forward. I'm grateful to follow in the footsteps of all of our family and friends who have led the way, and to also leave some footsteps of my own for others to follow." - Ryan Laughing Owl Caulfield.
