Dear friends and supporters,
My name is Mark Johnson and I have pledged to help Jim with coordinating the logistics of the memorial ride. I am only playing a small part with hundreds of people working hard to make this ride happen. This will be a very challenging ride for the horses, riders, and supporters and we all need your support THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. We thought the ride would start with 10 riders or so and now expect about 50 riders. More will be gathering at Flandreau and even more will gather at Lower Sioux.
I am non-native and grew in Minnesota but never knew that 38 Dakota warriors were hung in Mankato in 1862. I never knew that during it's first years of statehood, the state government had a $200 bounty for every Indian scalp and tried to eradicate native people from their state. I never knew when I was playing as a teenager around the Fort Snelling that there had been a concentration camp of 300 Dakota families with people dying every day from disease and lack of food and care.
I do not have resentment. Only sadness, not only for what has happened but in seeing how the old hatred and genocide is still affecting native and non-native people today. It was only a few generations ago and the pain is still strong in many youth and adults as seen by high rates of drug and alcoholism and domestic violence on the reservations.
But there is also reconciliation and healing. Many native and non-native people have been working hard to heal and generate forgiveness. Many of these events include runners and walkers and pow wows. So why have another memorial event? Why have this memorial ride? Because Jim Miller had a dream about this ride even before he knew he had a relative who was hung in 1862. Creator sends messages to us in dreams and this is a dream that Jim realizes he must honor. If we all honor this dream, it will realize Creator's dream for our healing and reconciliation.
Please share your stories. We wish to hear from you. And please tell your friends about this memorial ride. We need both prayers and financial support. There is a paypal account on our website. Even small donations will feed a horse and rider for one night. It also brings your kind energy into this circle.
Best wishes,
Mark
5 comments:
I have not heard of this ride until today, when I ran accross and article in Valley Equestrian.
I have submited your web page to the local saddle club in Mankato. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you on the 26th
Mark:
It is great to hear you are doing this momentous ride for a beautiful cause and with wonderful people. Stay warm as the blizzard looks like quite a natural challenge thrown your way.
May love and safe passage be with you,
Rob
Boston, MA
To our relatives on the Dakota 38 Rid -- We want you to know that many of us in Indian Country support and appreciate what you are doing. In these hard times, you are giving of yourselves for the people and we need to support you, too. My friend, the esteemed journalist Jodi Rave, who is Mandan/Hidatsa/Cheyenne River Sioux, posted the Dakota 38 link on her blog today. Go to:
http://buffalopost.net/
To help all of you on the journey, I am contributing $100 for food/supplies, and I encourage other Native people to show our support for the Ride.
Valerie Taliman
Indian Law Resource Center
www.indianlaw.org
Today you were in Russell, MN talking to the RTR Middle School. I thought that was awesome how you guys love everyone and how much you love the ride. I love you guys and hope you come to Russell next year too!
Megan Williams, 8th grade
Today you guys were in Russell, MN talking to the RTR Middle School. I love how you guys love to ride and love everyone. I like it that you love the ride too. I love you guys and hope you come to Russell next year too!
Megan Williams, 8th grade
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