Third annual Unity Ride set for July in Saskatchewan

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The third spiritual Unity Ride will take place this July entirely in Saskatchewan, covering the 712 kilometres between Pheasant Rump Reserve near Kisby and Wahpeton Reserve near Prince Albert.

Last year's riders crossed the U.S.-Canada border into Saskatchewan from their starting point in South Dakota and next year's are scheduled to ride between Saskatchewan and Wyoming. Hundreds of Sioux riders from eight years to 60 have joined.

South Dakota say that the aim of the cross-country trek has been to reacquaint members and relatives of the Sioux nation from each side of the border. They're people who've been cut off from each other since the border was put in place.

"This is the first time in over 100 years that Indian people (from both countries) have rode across the border together since the time of Chief Sitting Bull (in the late 1800's)," said one organizer who asked not to be named.

"It's important that we bring our people back together to meet their relatives who over 100 years ago went north. When we come back to Wyoming next year we plan to bring them back to the Devil's Tower.

"We're joined now and I don't think we'll ever be separated again. We've made some good friends." The purpose of the rides is to show them the way to spirituality and sobriety, according to the organizers.