Riders forging Aboriginal unity

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It was a unique equestrian adventure. Approximately 40 men and women from several reservations in the United States joined by a few from southern Saskatchewan reserves, have covered just about 1,600 kilometres on horseback this summer in the name of unity and Aboriginal tradition.

The group, called the Unity Riders crossed the North Dakota - Saskatchewan border just before 1 p.m. on July 6 enroute to the Pheasant Rump Reserve near Carlyle.

Most of the riders call North and South Dakota home. Dwaine Eagle, a Sioux from the Standing Rock Reservation just south of the North Dakota Capital of Bismarck, said the Unity Ride has become an annual tradition, now in its fifth year.

"It has attracted several families, it's perfect for families."

The trekkers sometimes switch, with mother or children riding while dad handled the support vehicle, or vice versa. The best part of the trip, said Eagle, was the evening get-togethers.

"Some days we had to ride until 11 p.m. just to get to the appointed spot. Most days we can cover 30 to 60 miles."

The first camp in Canada was at a treed lot about eight kilometres from the Northgate border crossing. The group intended to stay an extra day there to rest. By the time the riders hit the Canadian border they were one whole day ahead of schedule.

Pat Northgate, along with about 12 Pheasant Rump riders, was joined by Const. Louise Bear of the Carlyle detachment of the RCMP. She provided an escort and then participated in a brief ceremonial prayer circle with Alfred Driver, who offered up a Hidatsa payer. Driver is the spiritual leader for his band in New Town, North Dakota. The Sioux Singers from Pipestone Reserve in Manitoba added to the ceremony.

"This ride is to show unity, to give our children awareness of an alcohol and chemical-free environment. They seem to be really enjoying it," said Eagle.

The trip was special for Charles Running Bear of Fort Yates, North Dakota, and Howard Eagle Shield of Eagle Butte. They are boyhood friends who attended school together and have retained their friendship over the years.

Running Bear now lives in Sioux Valley, Manitoba and jumped at the chance to join his friend when he phoned him, asking for his support on the ride.

They predict the annual Unity Ride has at least two more years to go.

Last year's ride took the riders from Rosebud Reservations to Bird Tail, Oak Lake, up to Pipestone and on to Sioux Valley. Next year the travelers want to ride from Pheasant Rump to Prince Albert in Saskatchewan.

Gary Silver, a spokesman for the American Sioux, said all riders could feel the power from across the border as they approached.

"White Eagle took care of us. We have strong horses, strong riders. The sacred hoop will bring our people back together and our children will be the leaders tomorrow."

Silver added many old friendships were solidified as riders stopped along the way and new friendships formed.

"We felt the goodness of the people who met us on the road and helped us out. We hope to bring this back to the Black Hills where our people started. Maybe we can be strong again."