On November 22, 2005, an awards presentation was held at in conjunction with the Wellness Conference sponsored by the Diabetes Group at the 4-Bears Casino and Lodge Event Center near New Town, ND. The project Walk Around The Rez received a special award in the category of Health Promotion/Disease Prevention.

Walk Around The Rez is going into its 4th consecutive year. The focal point of the project is to provide awareness to the general public about the effects of diabetes, cancer, and drug and alcohol abuse. The project is funded entirely through community donations and consists of walking 25 miles a day for 10 days. This event is a great undertaking, as many volunteers are needed to make it work. The volunteers are required in transporting the Twin Towers, locating groups or organizations to nourish the walkers with breakfast and evening meals, moving vehicles with the walkers, providing first aid, and just attending to the care of the walkers. This event has been a great inspiration and motivator for the entire reservation. Young and old alike are challenged to walk every step of the way with fearlessness and confront these ailments that are so prevalent on the reservation. A scan of the participants reveals a united community. Babies in strollers, students, elders, handicapped, and horseback riders all participate.

The four people who founded this project all participate in the walk. Darryl Hall, Safe Communities Coordinator for the Three Affiliated Tribes is one of this project’s founders. Don Rush, another founder is one of only a few who have completed the entire route every year. The project was one of four nominations in its category.