A ride for a cause: The Medicine Wheel Ride raising awareness for missing & murdered indigenous women
News 11's Adonis Albright speaks with the founder of the organization to learn more about their message
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A group of indigenous women rode their motorcycles to Yuma on Friday as part of their journey west to raise awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women. The non-profit Medicine Wheel Ride departed from Phoenix this week, and visited the local Quechan Tribe where each rider received a blessing for a safe journey ahead.
According to the organization, 84% of indigenous women have experienced violence in their lifetime. They also experience murder, violence and trafficking at 4-10 times the national rate. The group's message is simple, but it's one that often times goes unheard.
“The overall message is to bring awareness to the crisis that every three days, an indigenous woman goes missing", said Shelly Denny, one of the group's founders.
The Quechan Tribe held a ceremony with music and dancing, where they honored and reflected on the lives lost along the way. Along each leg of the journey, four of the riders are also given a skirt which represents a missing or murdered indigenous woman that they carry along with them.
“It’s a good time to get together and bring the community together as riders and local tribal communities also, and show support for each other, and show support to the families who’ve lost someone, to let them know that their loved one is not forgotten", said Shelly.
The group's next destination will be San Diego this weekend, with another ride scheduled in August. To learn more about the Medicine Wheel Ride and how to get involved, visit their website.
