Day 14 – Day 18: Time spent in Lakota country is unlike time spent elsewhere, and there is too much to write to do justice to the experience now. Instead, I will post one highlight from each day and share more later as time allows…
Wednesday: After a 50 mile ride through the Badlands, was shuttled to Pine Ridge, where we were greeted by the Oglala Lakota who had organized a solidarity rally that took over the streets. It was a beautiful sight to behold, complete with banners, flags, a youth drum group performing honor songs, guest speakers, blessings, hugs and a camo-clad youth corp providing security: http://tinyurl.com/3tejqc8.
Thursday: Gathered at the home of Debra and Alex White Plume in Kiza Park for a solidarity ride against Keystone XL with Daryl Hannah, cowboys and Indians (Oglala Lakota and Sicangu Lakota) on horseback. My deepest thanks to Daryl for coming out to support the Lakota and the ride. Afterwards, Debra White Plume and I did an interview with KOLC-TV: http://tinyurl.com/75qjg6h (thanks for the agates, Jesse). This article demonstrates the powerful, new alliances we are forging to beat back TransCanada: http://tinyurl.com/3atsfxa.
Friday: Highlight of the day was talking to a group of junior and senior mentors at Pine Ridge School about Keystone XL, followed by rocket trike show and tell with more students. Check out this FOX News story on Daryl’s visit to Pine Ridge: http://tinyurl.com/3ub5xjr.
Saturday: Spent most of today recuperating and making plans for a major push in Lincoln, NB. Here’s another great television story that ran on the solidarity ride: http://tinyurl.com/3j6hpwp.
Sunday: Had the great honor of meeting Tom Poor Bear, Vice President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, who is the first person to force a response from President Obama on Keystone XL. Will post my interview with him soon. In the meantime, enjoy this great homemade video of the solidarity ride: http://tinyurl.com/3ojnl9s.