The air hangs heavy with history and remembrance as the annual Big Foot Ride commences, a journey etched in the collective memory of the Lakota people. This year, the solemn procession began on a Thursday from a sacred camp nestled along the banks of the Grand River, a site forever scarred by the assassination of the revered American Indian Chief Sitting Bull 115 years ago. For two weeks, the riders, a growing contingent of dedicated individuals, will traverse the windswept plains of South Dakota, their destination a place of profound sorrow and injustice: the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre.
The American Indians Embark on Annual Big Foot Ride is more than just a physical journey; it’s a spiritual pilgrimage, a tangible connection to the past, and a powerful statement about the enduring spirit of the Lakota people. For those who have participated in this emotionally charged event before, the experience is described as both deeply saddening and profoundly fulfilling, a testament to the resilience of a culture that has faced unimaginable hardship.
As the riders progress towards Wounded Knee, slated to arrive on December 29th, their numbers are expected to swell from the initial 23 who departed on Thursday to over 125 strong, according to organizers. This growth reflects the significance of the ride and the desire of many to participate in this act of remembrance and solidarity.
Sina Shaw, a veteran of the Big Foot Ride, articulates the heart of the mission: "Our leaders fought so hard. We do this so our children’s children’s children know we’re worth something." Her words encapsulate the determination to preserve their heritage, to honor the sacrifices of their ancestors, and to instill a sense of pride and identity in future generations.
The ride is a multi-generational endeavor, with a half-dozen children included among the participants. This intergenerational participation ensures that the stories and lessons of the past are passed down, keeping the flame of remembrance burning brightly.
The genesis of this memorial ride dates back to 1986, when Birgil Kills Straight and four other Lakota riders felt compelled to retrace the tragic journey undertaken by Minneconju leader Big Foot and his followers in December 1890. In the wake of Sitting Bull’s death, amidst an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, Big Foot and his people fled the Standing Rock reservation, seeking refuge and safety with the Oglalas in the Badlands. Their hopes for a peaceful winter were tragically dashed when they were intercepted by the infamous Seventh Cavalry outside Wounded Knee. The encounter escalated into a brutal massacre, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 300 Lakota men, women, and children.
As the riders departed from the camp on that Thursday, each paused at a monument dedicated to Sitting Bull, a tangible symbol of the man whose death triggered the events that led to Wounded Knee. In a poignant act of personal commitment, each rider declared the individual or group for whom they would be riding – a loved one, a family member, or simply for the entire Sioux people. This ritual imbues the journey with a profound sense of purpose and connection.
The historical context of the Big Foot Ride is critical to understanding its significance. After Sitting Bull’s assassination, his followers, fearing for their lives, embarked on a perilous trek of over 200 miles on foot to Pine Ridge, enduring the harsh conditions of early winter. Upon their arrival, many tragically met their end at the hands of the U.S. Army, forever altering the course of Lakota history.
The riders who embarked on this year’s journey will experience a taste of the hardships faced by their ancestors, enduring the biting cold and the demanding physical exertion. While they benefit from modern amenities such as insulated caps, warm coats, and the promise of food and shelter at the end of each day, the ride serves as a powerful reminder of the unimaginable suffering endured by Big Foot’s band.
Ron His Horse Is Thunder, the newly appointed chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and a descendant of Sitting Bull, has been a steadfast participant in the American Indians Embark on Annual Big Foot Ride, completing the journey from Sitting Bull’s death marker to Wounded Knee every year. However, this year, due to complications from recent dental surgery, he was unable to ride.
Despite his physical limitations, Ron His Horse Is Thunder was present to offer his encouragement and support to the riders as they embarked on their journey. His words, steeped in wisdom and understanding, resonated deeply with those preparing to undertake the arduous trek.
"You will feel pain on this ride," he cautioned them. "When it is over, you will be wiser. You will be better Lakota." His words underscore the transformative nature of the American Indians Embark on Annual Big Foot Ride, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges that contribute to personal growth and a deeper connection to their Lakota heritage.
The American Indians Embark on Annual Big Foot Ride serves as a powerful act of remembrance, a tribute to the resilience of the Lakota people, and a commitment to ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. It is a journey that connects generations, honors ancestors, and strengthens the bonds of community.