From Pahin Sinte Owayawa

The wind was in a hurry to go do what the wind does, and I was in it's path going to do what Mark does. She was gentle enough. Though other day's I've complained, she's never listened to what I want. Eventually we agreed on Bigfoot Road, and she brought me to Wounded Knee.

Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota Reservation is our destination, but currently we are in Porcupine, SD, at Porcupine School. This is the most impoverished community in the U.S. Just over the state line in Nebraska there are four bars, and the sales of canned beer from those bars exceeds the consumption of the entire state. This I learned from a teacher I met at the mass grave where the dead of Wounded Knee rest.

There was a native at Wounded Knee who approached me saying "One of your riders went up there to the grave site", gesturing to the hill. "That seems like a good idea" I replied, and rode my bike up a heavily rutted path to see what was there. Other riders came up the hill as well. I talked to a young man who seemed particularly interested in our activity. I took some pictures, and the first native had driven up the hill and helped us take group shots. We rode back down to the massacre site and took more photos. The native was there again. I asked Lauryn if this gentleman was some sort of escort, and she replied, as a matter of fact, yes, he was there to guide us and protect us against whatever road risks there might be. We departed and he followed the last rider, blocking any traffic that came from behind, to our destination.

I have linked above some information that gives the history of injustice committed against these people. I have only begun to realize the factors contributing to and resulting in the social dysfunction. I am at risk making these comments at this time, for I am sure I haven't a clue what is involved. I am only reporting my first impressions, and will look back to realize how naive I really am.