Oomaka Tokatakiya - Gloves for Riders campaign supports indigenous youth

It has become a journey that celebrates hope, possibility, the future. Today the riders are Lakota, Dakota and Nakota youth, honoring their ancestors, challenging their bodies and their spirits and learning to be proud of their heritage.

The Oomaka Tokatakiya takes place in South Dakota, on horseback, in the dead of winter, retracing the final journey of Chief Big Foot and his band as they sought safe haven from the US Military. What happened instead was one of the darkest moments in Native American history, the Wounded Knee Massacre. A scar on the hearts of the Lakota people for over one hundred years, the Oomaka Tokatakiya continues on where the Wiping The Tears of Seven Generations Ride concluded. It is a ride devoted to today's Indian youth, challenging them mentally and physically, giving them a sense of pride in who they are, strengthening them.

Redbird is making a bulk purchase of insulated elk skin gloves for the riders of the Oomaka Tokatakiya, the Future Generations Ride. This is our first funsraiser for a specific item; our goal is to provide 120 pair of gloves, to be ordered by November 15, so that they reach the riders in time for their departure in early December. (See link to images from the ride at the end of this event description).A $20.00 donation buys one pair of new gloves. Their cost is $17.55 before tax, shipping and Paypal fees. These are Black Stallion premium quality elk skin, thinsulate lined gloves made by RevCo Industries. We will purchase as many pair as we can on November 16 at the end of this fundraiser. They will ship directly to the White Plume family in Manderson, South Dakota. You can donate quickly and securely here:

paypal.me/RedbirdsVision
You can also donate via mail:
Redbird, P.O. Box 702, Simi Valley, CA 93062

For a number of years now, Redbird's annual blanket, toy and school supplies drive and mini-powwow on the first Saturday of December has focused on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Last year we were able to gift people on both ends of the ride as well as the riders themselves. This glove drive does not replace our annual December event. It does not conflict with it. It is in addition to our gathering (December 2 at the Simi Valley Town Center Mall, in the community room in the center of the mall complex).

The following link will take you to a video composed of still images from the Oomaka Tokatakiya by Ken Marchionno. They will give you a feel for the ride, the people, the country, the horses, the weather. They will give you some little taste of what we are supporting.
https://vimeo.com/207746230