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HELENA- Native Americans are uniting on a nationwide walk across America to reverse diabetes, and are in Helena for a couple of days during their cross-country trek.

It's called the Longest Walk 3 and it's supported by the American Indian Movement and sponsored by Dennis Banks. Their mission is public awareness and education about reversing diabetes.

A core group of travelers began their Northern trek across America from Oregon on February 14th, and they plan is to reach Washington D.C. one step at a time.

During the more than 5,000-mile journey across America, they aim to let their native culture know that diabetes can be prevented.

"We've been picking up people along the route, some people they can only go so far. But the most inspiring thing of all is that the young kids ages from 8-16 year olds coming out to run with us because they want to support us, they want to be a part of this."says Northern Route Coordinator Christopher Francisco.

Diabetes is predisposed among Native Americans, and is the number two cause of death among their heritage.

The Leo Pocha Clinic in Helena, which serves the native population free of charge, has been working hard to fight the disease.

Registered nurse Carol Schweitzer of the Leo Pocha Clinic said, "I have 80 active diabetic patients that I take care of and watch over."

Schweitzer, who is also the Diabetic Coordinator, explained," I teach them all about diabetes, anything to do about giving themselves insulin shots down to nutrition and how to take care of themselves."

Before continuing east, they stop and share their message about the importance of diet and exercise.

The Coordinator for Montana's Longest Walk 3, Gordon Plain Bull Jr. says "Type 2 diabetes is the number two killer of Native Americans. There's a reservation down south that 50% of their people are diabetics."

Each walk starts with a prayer. Before heading out, they gather for a blessing and cleansing of the soul. They say each step is a prayer, and every mile is a prayer.

"When I was in prayer," reflects Francisco, "one thing that came to my mind was that my grandmother she told me that only you can do it. And it's that message of only you can do it, we can't force you to do anything you have to take care of your health, you have to exercise you have to watch what you eat."

They are hoping to meet up with the Southern Route Walkers in Washington D.C. on July 8th.

The Sacred Whisper Society in coalition with the Helena Indian Alliance will hold round dances on Friday and Saturday night at Sheridan Hall in Helena.