Words of
the Day
From Alberta Iron Cloud Miller
(Jim's wife) 13th April, 2014:
'A little history for the newcomers:
The Dakota 38+2 Wokiksuye Ride came together in 2005 after
Jim had a dream to ride east to a place where a large group
of men were hung. He was given specific instruction on what
offerings to take and to place the offerings on a horse with
no rider. We later heard from two Dakota men that the spirits
had already told of riders coming from the west back to Dakota
country.'
'With the support of some very
strong and clear minded wicasa who felt the spiritual power,
the dream came into reality. Alex White Plume, Birgil Kills
Straight and a crew of Big Foot Riders came to Lower Sioux
Agency to help start the ride. The Dakota reserves were represented
by Gus High Eagle and Carl Mazawasicuna. Our keeper of the
Sacred Pipe, Arvol Looking Horse, was our spiritual leader
to lead the riders in sacred prayer. Sheldon Wolfchild and
the families from Lower Sioux created the path from Morton
to Mankato based on their historical knowledge. The only intention
of the dream was to ride and pray. No more no less.'
'We did not spread word of the
ride via Facebook or internet, only through "moccasin
telegraph". Riders came from the Dakota reserves in Canada,
from South Dakota, North Dakota and right from Minnesota.
In later years the participation expanded to include riders
from all the reservations where the exiled Dakota settled.
The majority of the riders are descendants of the 38 Dakota
men who were hung on December 26, 1862.'
'The ride started in Lower Sioux
because that was the site of the 1862 War. The Riders and
supporters from Lower Sioux provided the riders with comfort,
food, and a place to lay down after a long day's ride. Every
man, woman and child took loving care of their horses before
they took care of themselves because of their understanding
of the strong relationship between a man and his relative
sunka wakan.'
'Each year from 2005 to 2007
the ride started in Lower Sioux. Beginning in 2008 the ride
started at the Missouri River as described in the dream and
has continued from that point following the path of the dream.
There are powerful stories of a supernatural nature that have
been told by the riders.'
'The 2008 ride was documented
by Silas Hagerty and a crew of young Dakota who helped bring
the story together. Silas and Jim met at an inipi out east
and their relationship provided the foundation for the film
which captures the history as well as the spiritual essence
of the ride. The power comes from the prayer, it comes from
people treating each other as good relatives and finally,
acknowledging that the riders ride for their ancestors and
their nations. For that reason the film, Dakota 38, is free.'
'Jim carried the staff for 4
years and passed it on to toska Peter Lengkeek in 2008 who
in turn passed it on to Perry Little after he carried it for
4 years. (2017: The Staff has been in the hands of Wilfred
Keeble since 2016.) Jim has continued to serve as an advisor
and works to spread the word of healing through the Dakota
38 film and travels only on invitation. To reiterate, the
only intent of the ride is to pray. Any effort to market the
ride is not acceptable. In the words of our spiritual leader
Arvol Looking Horse, our people follow the way of the pte
oyate (buffalo nation) where we take care of one another and
unsilaka (compassion) our people.'
'The dream has brought healing
to many people in the Dakota Nation as well as non-Indian
folks. There's been a healing of relationships with the communities
along the Dakota trail or Hwy. 34. Where there was fear of
one another there is hope. All of this has happened because
of healing and from the prayers of the riders and their supporters.
The prayers of the riders have manifested this healing.'
Thanks Alberta!
Gloria
Ed Marek - 2017
Offering prayers again this morning for the riders and
the Sunka Wakan. Blessing day - in my travels today
around the Twin Cities I saw 6 Eagles
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Nena Valenzuela 2020
Beautiful warriors with a kind heart. Remembering and
honoring our ancestor. Keep safe on these hard time
we all going through
|
Madeline Big Eagle
- 2020
Prayers for all the little warrior riders..
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Elona Tyler-Bergstad
- 2020
Beautiful! Prayers for all the riders
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Tiffini Scott -
2020
Absolutely love this shot. It speaks for our future.
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Jim Miller - 2008
Forgive Everyone...Everything..
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Michele J Dragas
- 2017
And with each mile, you are rectifying the injustices
for the generations that came before you. May the Miles
bring deep healing, total restoration ~ and Peace. A-ho!
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Teri Vanderbeek
- 2017
I think of you all every day. I feel my ancestors in
the sad part of my heart every second. Thank you for
this ride, this gift..
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Joy Maddox - 2017
One by one the Ancestors began coming to her. She feels
their presence as the energy begins to flow. Her prayers
rise among the smoke and with each breath she becomes
more aware of all the spirits lingering just above the
ground...these are her family...her people....her relatives.
They have taken her in when no one understood.. I hear
your calls...I feel your forgiveness and I feel the
love that was lost...and I feel the love emerging from
your Spirits...We are all walking each other home...
|
Ramona Gerber -
2017
Good Thursday morning riders & support staff. A
few less miles today, but still a important part of
the journey. Hoping Warriors & horses get some rest
the next couple of days. Enjoy your quiet time to reflect
& hope each of you have received something from
this experience. Your commitment & dedication is
there, as you are nearing the final days of the ride.
God speed & safe journey. Many blessings to you
all from Alaska & Merry Christmas.
|
Kendra Thomas -
2020
Thank you for this. I am so grateful for the technology
that brings us together in a heart beat from anywhere
in the world, and grateful for you sharing
|
Anne Donnelly-Rieke
- 2020
It’s been fun to see the pictures from the different
years. Doesn’t matter the year, the intent and
feelings of love and respect are in every picture posted.
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Photos of Past Rides- posters
collated by Ron Hamm (2008 to 2019)
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Every year Ron Hamm has
provided posters of collated photos of the Ride, (some
shown above in a smaller size) and we have shown them
on the group and/or on each website I have made. I have
to thank Ron for this work that he does for the love
of the Ride and doing the posters. He shows the posters
at Pow Wows and various places so the Ride is publicized
to the people who would be interested in it. He has
given a set of posters to my relatives at the Little
Feather Center in Pipestone as well so they get shown
when people come to visit. An amazingly talented man
wo loved the Ride and what it stands for as much as
we all do. I mustn't forget to add that Ron's wife along
with Nina Fox, embroidered 'Dakota 38 + 2 '
on woollen beanie type hats for the Riders and supporters
for free. Great people, and amazing supporters for such
a Spiritual Ride. - Gloria
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Gloria Hazell-Derby
- 2017
A number of people have been asking about the names
of the men who were hung. Some have wanted to put posts
on the group page that are not the actual truth of the
hangings. A number of years ago I made up 2 pages for
the Women's March giving the names of ALL the imprisoned
men (including those who were hung) and all the the
women who were left to be the head person in their families.
The pages are on our website and have been for a number
of years. I know many of you do not actually look at
those extra pages, so I am going to put the links on
here. I will put them below this section
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1.
The names of all of the men imprisoned or hung
Marie Claymore - 2017
Thank you. Stark reality check. Prayers for riders and ancestors.
2.
The names of all of the Women imprisoned at Fort Snelling
Camp
Sandy King - 2017
quite a list. It gives
more scope to the magnitude of suffering caused..
Bless you for your work to keep it real & truthful
