Horse riders from Birdtail Sioux travelled along Highway 83 to Virden and onward to Canupawakpa, to raise awareness for drug abuse. The ride was held from July 14 to 17.
The message they wished to spread is that we have become far too reliant on prescription drugs and pain killers. The group was lead by Travis Mazawasicuna and they spoke of herbal medicinal properties, and how the unnatural medicines we are using daily can be replaced with all-natural equivalents.
Not only did they raise awareness for drug abuse, they also did a speech at the Birtle residential school. This raised awareness for those still struggling through residential school issues.
Many people still deal with residential school trauma, as well as the children who grew up with parents who suffered in a residential school. Residential schools, thankfully, are not around anymore, but their effects still linger.
From Birtle the riders left towards Virden and stopped at Heartland Livestock Services where they held another speech and a little snack. Regardless of the blistering heat, they traveled on to Canupawakpa along Highway 83 where they held another speech to spread the word.
