Hazel Hallum getting back on after her horse spooked sideways at an old tire in the morning ..after she got back on she walked her horse over to where she spooked before we continued...good horsewoman aho - Richard Milda

Honoring Josette

Josette Peltier being honored this morning for cooking on the Dakota 38+2...her last meal cooking for us this year. Wopila teuwi. Thank you sister Josette Peltier for taking care of the riders and supporters. Feeding our relatives is an act of love and is sacred.- Alberta Iron Cloud Miller and Richard Milda

I have just gotten to know Arlene. What a wonderful woman. She wanted me to post this letter she wrote. I hope you enjoy. - Keith

Honor for the 38+2 the year 1862, December 26
Down through the centuries our Dakota Oyate revered a strong and spiritual belief which has brought us to this time again. We are a people of an unseen unity, the strongest of life’s cohesive unity – respect and honor as it has from the era of our ancestors beginnings to be etched in stone to give to our future generations so as to let them know who we are, our stature which in time will carry us to every future man, woman and child as is being given in likeness at this time. Our children and many young people will remember who we honor with the remembrance of this ride, to give to their Great Great Grand-Children what has brought us to this endurance of our lives. Respect, responsibility, reverence and re-birth won’t ever end as long as our ancestors blood lines continue down to everyone, the cohesive unity we were born and raised with, to never be forgotten, and will not ever end, because the pain lives in my heart and I weep bitterly.

Arlene Fire, Crow Creek Hunkpati

Josette Peltier made a commitment in prayer to help with the food on the ride. This sacred act continues to be shared amongst our people as an old tradition. My parents always taught us that the act of feeding people is sacred and signifies love for the people. When our family planned a feed my Ate would always tell us "put away that budget, open your pocket book, we're going to feed"! This sacred sharing has been a huge part of the ride. Looking back remember the winyan and the men who helped to cook and feed the riders and supporters. As winyan we are also taught to put good energy and love into the cooking so that everyone will receive a healing through the food as it is sacred medicine. Many thanks to all who provide the meals! - Alberta Iron Cloud Miller

Having a break before moving on again.

Richard and Keith working behind the scenes

I simply love this. Thanks for the updates and putting up a daily photo summary on the webpage. I really look forward to seeing what each new day brings. Question: For next year's ride, I would like to help sponsor a rider. How can I arrange this? I think that adopting a rider would be an incredible family experience. Ride safe! I will send warm prayers from inipi tomorrow. - Sara EagleBoy

In answer to Sara's idea we will be working on it in the new year! - Gloria

I am at home, fireplace going, warm;... Reflecting on the past 24 hours or so. What a huge impact this timeframe has had on me! As we left the kc hall yesterday evening Zsakiah ( our 12 yr old) was so full of questions & concern. I I did my very best to explain the Dakota 38 Ride to the best of my ability. We were driving East headed home, when he asked if we could keep going to see if we could catch up with the riders whom utilized the nice weather to further their journey, I told him, "yes but they are at least 2 hours past now."

We drove to the 1st curve past 37 as he was inquiring about the dates, he stopped and told me, "but Mom?! that's past Christmas, you mean them kids I saw in town earlier and that girl that's Ambys age n well all of them like wont be home with family n presents n stuff? You mean they will really be riding on?! In the cold- it's winter!" His eyes are now welling up, I pull over to turn around and say to him that " these riders are sharing a great gift by doing this, one of hope for reconciliation and healing, this is HUGE son! " ( so now I find myself in tears with my little boy) as we head home I keep talking best I know how telling him they are " in ceremony" and what positivity this is creating, he finally smiles and tells me "even tho we didn't catch up to them tonight, I feel them, I feel proud for them" ....

I told him I was given the documentary earlier when he was at school and we would watch it all together to help us all get a fuller understanding.... he woke this morning eager to drive to town to hopefully just be in their presence briefly before school, he and Amberiah Smith carried in a few useful items and said "hello", and in return received hugs and lots of smiles, I had to get them to school but they wanted to stop by where the horses were first, what an honor to see a beautiful sight to start the day! - Dawn Smith