The Sioux Valley Dakota Unity Riders ride to raise awareness of Indigenous issues and to maintain connections to their ancestors. The first rides took place in the 1980’s and traced the routes their ancestors took after 1862 when the U.S. government forced the Dakota into exile from their homes in Minnesota.
Chris and Keith rest after a day-long ride.
Travis Mazawasicuna, 55, of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Unity Riders tends to his horses on October 10, 2021.
Children of nearby Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation watch the riders atop a car while following the group during the final hour of the ride.
Travis hugs an attendee during a pit stop. After welcoming everyone, he is about to begin a prayer. He holds a bowl of food in one hand, a spirit dish, which is an offering to the ancestors.
Chris loads the horses into a trailer during a ride.
Chris leads his new horse Prince.
Riding gives many Indigenous youth purpose and a way to recover from the intergenerational trauma of residential schools.