The Women Who Support

The Grandmothers...

The first woman I will show today is Alberta Iron Cloud Miller who is the wife of Jim Miller who had the dream in the first place. Alberta has travelled with Jim since the start of the Ride, and continues to do so today. Alberta has the great ability to make things better using her calming wisdom. She is like the Kunsi (Grandmother) of the Ride. She is very respected by those who either know or work with her, including me.


In 1862 the Dakota Women stood freezing, either in the long march to Fort Snelling, or in the camp at the Fort. You have seen some of the photos during this Ride on this website's pages. When I saw this photo it took me back to how those women looked, except those women in 1862 were the Ancestors of the women in this photo. What a difference. Still freezing, but they have warm clothes and a vehicle to get into for warmth if they need to. The child is wrapped in a warm blanket, but look how intense these women are, how you can see that they are thinking, if not praying, about their Grandmothers of the past. If I made this photo sepia there would be hardly a difference between them and the women of 1862.
Still Here, Still Dakota!

From Alberta:
"Her words touched my heart. Tunwin Marie Randall shared with us today at Crazy Horse School that she is afraid, afraid that our younger generation will lose their culture. Having lived 99 years, she is a wisdom keeper who carries the dream of our people living in unity. For that reason she will be coming on the Dakota 38+2 Wokiksuye Ride traveling with the students from Crazy Horse School. Her final words to me were "we need to help one another.""


I was told that I should put my info on here as well, so reluctantly I am...
This is me at Reconciliation Park in Mankato back in the early 2000's. I had been dropping tobacco and praying as I did so. I have been working on various committees and educational projects concerning the 38 + 2 (or +3) since 1982 when I lived in New Jersey. I moved to Minnesota in the early 90's. I have run the facebook group for 11 years now, I started it originally in 2008 for the Pipestone area people to co-ordinate the food for the Ride with each other. Strangely other people asked if they could join because they were interested in the Ride, and so I opened it to anyone who wanted to join back in 2009. In 2010 my beloved husband Chuck Derby passed away of cancer and in 2011 after a traditional Dakota mourning period, I moved back to England, where I am from, to be close to my family. I continue to Admin the Group, which was renamed Supporter's Group and I added some other Admins in 2015, from here, close to London. I too am a grandma, 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

I am happy to meet you during this awesome Ride. Mitakuye Oyasin


Givaways from the people of Madison.

Sisters from the Ride sit alongside Sister Ancestors at the Little Feather Center in Pipestone in 2013.

Elders dance at the Ride's powwow in the Lower Sioux in 2013

The women (and men) who help me to keep the Group running smoothly. Jenny is my eldest grand-child and she has been raised in the Dakota ways. Cari is a long time friend of mine, we used to participate in Pipe ceremonies together when Chuck was alive. Marge is my Niece, Alice's daughter, John is Dakota from the Lower Sioux where this history took place, Lou was my first Admin and we had each others back in 2014/15, Mo creates beautiful prayers for the group, and the others have grown to be friends. - Gloria

Sunrise at the Lower Sioux. Maybe the 1862 Ancestors are watching it as well, as most came from there.


Tomorrow I will be showing Various Native Women who are special in their Tribes


Day 13, December 22nd 2019

Prayer for Today

Blessings to all on this journey. We are in a cycle of longer darkness, colder days, and less activity. Deep inside we have an understanding, a hope and a vision that our days will become brighter,our hearts warmer and our actions bring healing.

The visions are unfolding before us. Let our brothers and sisters continue this journey in safety, strength and peace. Allow love, honour and respect to surround them as they travel with and for our ancestors. Allow the strength and weight of the horse nation to be felt across the lands where damage was done to be filled with healing. Let us reconcile a little more with each hoof placed upon the earth.
Love, honour, and respect
Mitakuye Oyasin A'ho
Mo

Route for Today


From Morton the Ride heads off to Fort Ridgely Historic site, (17 miles) but they will stay the night in the Courtland Community Center, 300 Railroad St, Courtland. They will be here tomorrow night as well

Breakfast will be by the LSC, Lunch will be at the Chuck Wagon with help from the LSC. Dinner will be supplied by Pam Bird and family

The horses will be at the Courtland Farm


From our Members:

Linda Flanagan
Daisies n Dragonflies Photography
It was a bitterly cold wind today for the Riders of Dakota 38 +2 heading to Pipestone from Flandreau.
Keeping them in prayers for a safe journey to Mankato. Prayers for nicer weather too. I will have more photos later. Til next year God Bless.

Charlene E BearCub
Oh, to be there! I watch with prayers for the horses and riders and those who are stepping up in support for these riders,
clear from the Pacific Northwest, the Colville Indian Reservation. May Creator bless each & everyone. So very proud of both horse & rider and
everyone whose helped with extending hand on their perilous but beautiful, sacred journey. Sending blessings of song and prayers to the riders, horses and the great supportive helpers along the way. Seeing the pictures of this sacred historical event gives us blessings you can't even imagine. May Creator keep every one of these riders, horses and helpers safe every day. May they have sweet dreams every night. I'm so honored to be able to witness this via Facebook.

Ramona D Gerber
Amazing photos Nina Fox. When I look at them, I can feel the crisp air, see the breath from the horses and feel the energy, So much respect to these young Warriors for this journey & how their participation shows honor and how their participation is part of the healing. Our younger generation continues this year-to-year and the Ancestors must be so proud.. Ride safe today.

Cece Walter
Prayers up for the Dakota 38+2 riders, horses, support staff and hosts along the route. Have a good day with fair weather and bright sunshine. Continued prayers for safe travels on this beautiful journey of reconciliation. May your strength and prayers guide you today. Much love and respect for everyone involved in the ride.

Tom Wirt:
Blessings to all the Riders, on the Horses or the Road carrying this important journey. Hoping it gets a little warmer the next few days.
Beverly Solazzo-Montante:
Thank you for sharing. Safety for all riders and horses on the Return trip. Hope they reach their destination safely
Sarah Katenay:
Prayers
Nancy Duffey Black:
Prayers
Marilyn Nored:
Wonderful
! Prayers and safe travels
Allan Kolb:
Thank You for sharing your pics
Michele J Dragas:
Ongoing and continuous prayers for warmth and safety for all
Tammi Buesing:
Praying daily.. omg please stay warm...and the beloved horses too.
Lathe Ragels:
Makes my heart sing to see the dedication of these wonderful people
Silvie Diet:
Thank you for share this beautyful Photos
Prayere for Rider and Horses
Jeff Galuza:
Our continued Prayers of safety and protection for the Riders and Sunkawakan.
Darlene Goodine:
Linda Flanagan, This are great photos! Thanks for sharing.
Rose Torres:
Prayers for all
Dawn Beard:
Thanx for sharing.
Sandi Perry Yoakum Pahina:
Thanks for the update “visuals” on the ride. Prayers UP
Marianne Denning:
Strength to the Riders, horses and everyone helping
Grace Redfox:
Prayers for all of them.
Mary Dunlop:
Prayers
Jenny Jen:
Beautiful
Denny Glidewell:
Respect. Wado.
Romona Hawkins:
Great Thank you supporters behind the scenes. Blessings for Everyone
Freya Dubbink:
Every day I am in mind at Dakota 38 + 2
dearest greeting from the Netherlands
Nicole Sadler:
Hope you don’t mind me sharing. This is just so touching
Linda Flanagan:
Nicole Sadler that’s fine .
Barbara LeBeau:
Gorgeous photos!!!
Casualene Meyer:
What beautiful photographs. What honoring art!
Ronnette Kennedy Trulson:
Wonderful photos- thank you for sharing
Sherie Bartsh:
What a tribute!
Tamara Sanders:
Smoke and Prayers still
Linda Kluge Mansfield:
Warmth of Heart
Katie Columbus:
Wow!! Prayers said for all the people involved!!
Tachiinii Asdzaa:
Much prayers for riders and horses in the bitter cold!
Paula Arnold:
Prayers
Deborah Stark:
Hearts
Lieve Vanhulle:
Bless you
Alice Erickson:
Love these Rider's.
Carol Bearss:
Prayers up tobacco down for all dedicated horses, men/women and especially the ‘young uns’ stay safe and warm
Mel Voss:
I live in the south and I complain on the cold here. But it is no way as cold as the riders and horses are going through. Bless their hearts, much respect for all of them.
Sue Cizek:
Nina Fox, ty for all the great pics. :)
Dawn Phillips:
Thank you for the nice photos.
Berne Cody:
beautiful and awesome thank you for sharing
Cece Walter:
Beautiful pictures Nina. Thank you for sharing.
Inno Idiong:
Peace and strength.
Karen Stadler:
Beautiful safe travels.
Maria Rainbow Gerolaga:
Beautiful
Rachael Ananda:
Bless...
Jane Ostrom Millar:
And I’m complaining about today’s rain while I relax indoors next to my fireplace. Feeling entitled.
Betty Schmidt:
Adding my prayers to yours for all involved with this ride and for the purpose of it. God bless you all.
Tina Seacrest:
Continued Prayers for Courage, Strength, Endurance, Safety and Gratitude. Thank you everyone for all the photos, poems, pictures, facebook updates, website updates. Thank you all followers and page/group Admin. I only wish I could participate with this awesome event.
Terrill Muller:
Thank you to all who have prepared for this ride, who support the riders and the horses and to those descendants in the towns along the way who also respect this journey of healing. You remain in my prayers for strength, protection and humility. Love to you all! Thank you for caring for our ancestors.
Beverly Solazzo-Montante:
I thank you as well for all you do keeping everyone informed. It is a gift to everyone. I hope your wrist is feeling better. My heart and spirit are with all riders hoping they are warm and healthy??
Tonya Crady:
Prayers and sage today for protection and love to all. Stay safe and warm. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you to the horses. Thank you to creator for this opportunity to show such love and sacrifice.
Thank you elders for leading by example.
Linda Roakes Crist:
I woke up this morning about 6 a.m. and the power was off all throughout my neighborhood. It was a cold night here last night and the temperature was about 19 this morning. As I sat here thinking about how I was going to have a hot cup of coffee with no electricity, I thought of the horses and Riders and the sacrifice they are making to honor the ancestors. I was ashamed of myself or having even thought about being cold. I am grateful for the lesson. May the Creator watch over and bless the horses, the Riders, and all who are supporting their efforts.
Linda Roakes Crist:
Gail Tiefenbach , I am reminded of an old poem who's author I cannot remember nor can I remember the rest of the poem. But there was a phrase that said... Our pieces are part of the same puzzle. In the end, we are all related!

Gloria Hazell Derby: Linda Roakes Crist, that sounds like the most powerful prayer you can say. Mitakuye Oyasin. (We are all related)
Gail Tiefenbach:
Me too, took out the garbage this morning, bitter cold wind in my face (Saskatchewan, Canada). Thought about the wind in the face of riders and horses. And the general suffering we all face. Seems powerful how the energy of the ride affects us all and reminds us how connected we are, even when far apart. Thank you all!
Pam Becker:
I didn’t always go to watch the riders come in because I knew I would be standing in the cold. Then I had that moment of reason and clarity- these riders have ridden for 330 miles in horrible winter conditions! I can stand in the cold to honor and welcome them

Diane R. Anderson:
Thanks for all you do and hope you're feeling better! :)
Ola Reynolds:
Hope your Wrist is better
Amanda Kali:
I'm a dog walker and it's pretty darn cold here in NYC today. As I was walking to my Golden Retriever client's house, I was thinking about the riders and horses and how they must be holding up. I have SO MUCH respect for them for pushing forward despite the bitter cold. I definitely would not be able to do so
.
Dorothy Denetsosie Gishie:
This ride sure makes you think. How we "think" we have hardships but yet we have relatives enduring much more harsh elements than we in the comfort of our homes. I think about riders and horses throughout the day, offering quick prayers and thoughts for their safety.


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.


Some of the young women on the Ride this year, with Staff Carrier Wilfred Keeble


Madison. Photo by Angela Ohmer 2019



Photo of the amazing sky at the Pipestone National Monument by Nina Fox


For the Women who Endured.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
For the Women
Videos
Memorial
Education
Extras. 2019 including a Question and Answer section

Dakota 38 + 2 Memorial Ride Supporters group on Facebook

Historic photographs courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

Website mostly written and Created by Gloria Hazell Derby Dragonfly Dezignz © 2019 to date