The Dakota Exiles Ride

As you know, the Dakotas now have the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the world. Immediately after casting my Electoral College vote in Lansing, I will join my “adopted” Cheyenne River Reservation family on the newly formed Dakota Exiles Ride. While I am aware of the risks, I am providing mostly all the PPE for the riders. More importantly, this is a spiritual journey I take each year to honor our ancestral family, and pray for my circle of family and friends and for the healing of our nation. The 275-mile horseback trek honors the Dakota men who were hanged in the largest mass execution in the nation's history on Dec. 26, 1862, in Mankato, Minnesota. We begin on December 14th in Niobrara, Nebraska and will conclude this leg of our journey on December 26th in Mankato at the hanging site (we were greeted last year by Governor Tim Walz, who publicly apologized for the atrocities committed by the government). Depending on the pandemic situation in Pine Ridge, we will join the final days of a ride to Wounded Knee and will arrive at the massacre site on December 29, 2020. As our country is physically and spiritually torn apart, we recognize this ride is needed more than ever. Funds will be used towards the rental of a truck to haul generators, food, a large grill, grain for the horses, and critical supplies, including PPE. Supplies to build teepees, tents and cold winter gear (including the basics like coats and hats) will be purchased for riders as we will not have the option of sleeping indoors due to COVID-19 (windchills can reach -50F). Whatever amount you can give will be of service to those for whom these rides serve as spiritual healing and a means to reconnect with Ancestral family and to pray for Mother Earth.