The Women Who Support

Over the years the Ride has had a lot of support behind the scenes from women. Those who volunteer to make food, serve the riders, make sure things are working just right, and general cleaning up after the Ride has left. Again I don't know the names of all of the women,
only those I have happened to meet at one time or another.

The first is a woman who has been with the Ride from the start, she runs the Chuck Wagon and is always on hand to feed, give advice, wipe a child's face, or give them a cuddle. It's Josette Peltier who is a very dedicated Volunteer. She lives in Flandreau.

The next is Alice Erickson, from Pipestone (Little Feather Center) who has organized and made sure food was ready for the riders since 2008 in Pipestone. Alice is my sister-in-law, and we both began this journey together along with my late husband Chuck Derby. Just before he passed we both promised him that we would continue to help the Ride for as long as we could, and we have. Alice next to the Exhibit in the Pipestone National Monument where she works, showing her as being a long time worker there. 2018

Alice with her team of cooks and helpers mostly from the Derby family and close friends 2013

Betty Sheldon and friends

Sandee Geshick with Perry in 2013. Lower Sioux. Sadly Sandee passed a few years ago

Lillian Columbus from Lower Sioux and her family cooked meals for the Ride when they stayed there for a few days. Lillian is the one reaching for the cup. I met Lillian back in the mid 90's when we worked on the Gathering of Kinship together. This was to heal the Spirits of the 38 + 3. In a Ceremony in '97, that Galen Drapeau Sr was doing, those of us looking on saw loads of little lights flashing up in the trees, we knew it was the 38 + 3. (The +3 is Little Crow).

Diane helping on the Ride in 2014

Renah Julius 2019

Joy with Lisa Bellenger in 2014

2019 Helpers (and riders) Mia Wanna, Chyrelle Love Tiger, Renah Julius, Josette Peltier, Ruth Matzke Anderson, LeAnne Hinhan Duta Win

Joy, Pat Iron Cloud, Josette and Sharlene 2014

Keith, and Josette who run the Chuck Wagon and do many other things, with Cari, one of our Admins 2018

Tamara St John (Sisseton) who wrote some information for the group to be able to find their Ancestors. Genealogy for Dakota People. 2014

Lynny, Diane, Sharlene and Nina Fox (photographer) 2014

Jackie Bird, (Dakota dancer, singer, artist and motivational speaker) with Betty 2013. The night before my husband passed Jackie came over and did an impromptu concert for Chuck and his family and friends who were staying with him overnight. She also gave him an Eagle's feather for his Journey. He has that feather in his hand where he lies in his beloved Pipestone. Jackie is a wonderful woman, I have known her since she was young.

Helpers from the DSU with Josette

Josette with Lynette Kleppin 2013

Michelle Knife Sterner 2013 (Marshall)

Dawn Phillips, a member of the group showing the tee shirt she got this year

Margaret Matzke in 2013 with her husband Jacob, who had walked the entire route the previous year.

Maybe I will be able to find some more women for tomorrow's page.

Day 12, December 21st 2019

Prayer for Today

Good morning relatives
Creator we offer gratitude for everything you have given us today. Our brothers and sisters are doing so much good for us all... giving voices to the voiceless, showing strength, dignity, and honour. Showing the world what honour and respect looks like in real time. Wrap them each in support, protection, warmth, and hear their prayers.
We send love and respect to women riders that are there honoring our ancestors. In times that are still not favorable to women they are standing, riding and remaining strong. We honour that. They are letting their voices be heard showing us power with dignity.
We need them and we appreciate them.

May the winds be gentle, the sun be warm upon them, and love surround them all.
May warm nights rest and good food bless riders and horse nation.

Much gratitude to all that are part of this journey
Mitakue Oyasin A'ho
Mo

Route for Today

Jackpot Junction Casino & Motel

From Vesta the Ride heads off to Morton, (23 miles) where they will stay the night in the Jackpot Junction Casino & Motel or the Redwood Lodge.

Breakfast will be by the SW Minn State Univ, Oyate Club, Lunch will be at the Chuck Wagon with help from the LSC. Dinner will be supplied by the LSC

The horses will be at the Dennis farm just south of Jackpot Junction on 320th St.

From our Members:

Tom Wirt
What is past, the Creator has given us to make us stronger for the journeys ahead. Blessings to the Riders, Horses,
all the people who help them along, as others helped us on our journey. May the healing and reconciliation reach ever more people,
even beyond the Nations.

Inez Morris:
All the Pic's I have seen, I notice the horses are not being ran and that warm's my heart, that would be no different then "we" running in
cold weather with our mouth open and icing our lungs, they take good care of our four legged, Was'te'. Thank you to all Supporters,

Photos from the Ride
Copyright of the photos belongs to the photographer. A list of those who supply the photos will be given on a page on the website at the end of the Ride.

For the Women who Endured.