In 1978, a group of Native Americans set out on foot to cross the country, from San Francisco to Washington, DC. It was called "The Longest Walk" and it was organized by American Indian Movement leader Dennis Banks.

On Tuesday, Banks and about 100 other marchers will begin "The Longest Walk 2" they leave DQ University near Davis with hopes of making it to the nation's capital on July 11.

Monday afternoon, the 30th anniversary of the original walk was marked by several events in Solano County, including a special ceremony at the Glen Cove Sacred Burial ground in Vallejo. Tashina Banks, who was only 4 years old when her father embarked on the first walk 30 years ago said that, like then, the environment is forefront in the minds of those who will march this time.

"Native people in general and indigenous people around the world really do feel as though they are caretakers of the environment," said Banks. "So I wouldn't say that he thinks he is someone who brought it forward but was somebody who was vocal about it 30 years ago and continues to be today."

On Tuesday, participants will leave the State Capitol in Sacramento at noon, then head into Folsom. By Saturday, they hope to make it to South Lake Tahoe. For more information, visit
The Longest Walk 1978-2008.