Since beginning this journey I have already ridden over Ten Thousand miles on my iron horse. I have traveled through over 30 Tribal nations including the Oklahoma Choctaw, Miccosukee, Creek, Cherokee and Pawnee. I have visited Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo nations and spent time with the Seminole and Miccosukee in Florida as well as my own Tribe the Eastern Cherokee. Each nation is unique in culture and experience but they all have one thing in common, they are actively engaged in protecting their independence and sovereignty and are determined to move their people forward in spite of continual challenges to their way of life and the authority to govern themselves.
The Native American people have been fighting since first contact with the white Europeans. Sometimes they have fought alongside this country but mostly they find themselves defending their beliefs and inherent right to govern themselves and protect their people from threats to their safety and way of life. In the coming weeks I will highlight the missing and murdered Native women and children that continue to go unnoticed and cry for justice from the earth. Today I simply want to remember and remind you that Native warriors have fought and died for this country and for the right to be who they are free from federal intervention and challenges to their governance.
From the revolution to the code talkers of WWII and recent sacrifices in the gulf wars, Native warriors have been a key part of defending the constitution, in spite of the fact that it does not have any application to the reservation. The US Constitution does not apply to Native Americans within the reservation boundaries. Still they have laid their lives down so that this document can continue to be a living, breathing beacon for others. The hope is that they will be able to have the same protections for their way of life within their reservations and lands as others outside of the reservation have enjoyed through their sacrifice.
I stopped in Windowrock, AZ and spent time at the veterans park there. I urge you to go and sit and listen to the wind as it moves through the park. Hear the spirit of those who have sacrificed for your freedoms. See the names of those still lost and missing. Meditate in the silence of this place and reflect on all that you have been given and give thanks for their sacrifice. Then join me and others in fighting to protect the rights of the first Americans.
Native American Rider 