Man is said to walk in the footsteps of those who came before him. Kutoven Stevens–better known as Ku–made it his mission to not just walk but run in the footsteps of his Native American ancestors as a way to honor the years of suffering they endured. In 2025, the 87-minute documentary Remaining Native captures every step of that journey.

In it, Stevens states that his aim was specifically to raise awareness about the history and intergenerational trauma of the U.S. Indian boarding schools, as well as to remember those who did not make it home from them. His own great-grandfather was among them–escaping the school when just eight years old and running across the scorching Nevada desert back to his Yerington Paiute reservation.

Although older than his great-grandfather when making the journey, the 17-year-old Stevens could find no better tribute than to retrace that journey.  This was in 2020. “He ran eight miles a day everyday, through the dry Nevada landscape, remembering family stories about his great-grandfather Frank Quinn’s childhood escape from the Stewart Indian Boarding school,” an article on AmericanTrails.org recounts. “It was during this time of solo running and reflection that Ku decided to start an event called the Remembrance Run.” Stevens continued this 50-mile tradition for the next three years.

“Ku’s intent in organizing the first Remembrance Run was to ‘raise awareness of the issue and to provide a way for [his] people to express the loss of culture they experienced through governments boarding schools. This policy still affects their lives today, and [he] wants to create an environment for healing for survivors’,” reiterates another in an article posted on IndianYouth.org.

In terms of running for a cause, Elkhart High School’s Executive Principal Phil Shults knows all about this: “Most races contribute to a charitable organization,” he begins. “Some races recognize individuals and causes–such as the Sarah Strong 5k–to assist families whose loved ones are battling cancer. Others recognize larger groups and causes, such as the Turkey Stampede for Faith Mission and the Ugly Sweater Run for the Elkhart Education Foundation.”

Continuing, Shults adds, “When I run a race, I like to know what organization it raises money for. My favorite is probably the Circle City Donut Dash 5k in Indianapolis for Teachers Treasures.” More teasingling, he throws in this: “Donuts + running…always fun!” But, more seriously, Shults concludes by saying, “I run for many causes. I would absolutely run to honor someone I love. But, you don’t always have to run. Walking is just as good–and the result is the same…you’ve crossed the finish line!”

In other words, it’s not where one starts; it’s where one finishes. Stevens notes in the documentary that he fell in love with running very early. His dad was a “hobby jogger” and would take him out in a stroller on his jogs. Eventually, Stevens started running alongside his father. Then ultimately,  Stevens was beating others in races. The first race he completed was a local half-mile run when just four years old.

Stevens vows to never forget his storied past. While some may tattoo family names on their bodies, Stevens etched his great-grandfather’s name on his track spikes as a reminder of the man who made it “home.” Once home, Frank Quinn–Stevens’ great-grandfather–kept his door open for all. “Frank always took care of people when they came to his house,” Stevens recalls from the stories passed down. It’s not just a human courtesy, it’s native to his culture. And, now, it is Stevens’ turn to be the face of his people.

“I’m able to represent my people,” Stevens asserts via kunr.org.  “And, one of the best ways I know how is through running.” Explaining, he adds, “So to be able to combine two things that I’m very passionate about, which is running and activism for my people, I’m able to really make a difference and an impact in a way that I could see, in a way that other people can understand, and in a way that I feel like is reaching a lot of people’s hearts–which is ultimately what the goal is.”

Benefits of Running

Physical:

• Cardiovascular health
• Bone and muscle health
• Weight management 
• Immune system

 Mental: 

• Mood and stress
• Cognitive function
• Self esteem
• Energy levels

Social:

• Community 
• Fundraising