LAC DU FLAMBEAU, Wisc.-Bruce LaMere, a Ho-Chunk tribal member who lives in Tomahawk, has spent many years participating in motorcycle rides with a purpose, and also happens to be a skilled event organizer.
In February 2021, the Wisconsin Indigenous Riders officially formed. After months of planning, a MMIW/MMIP Awareness ride throughout several Wisconsin tribal communities recently took place.
The MMIW/MMIP Awareness Ride included Lakota, Stockbridge-Munsee, Menominee, Mole Lake, Potawatomi, Oneida, Ho-Chunk, Bad River, Red Cliff, Lac du Flambeau, and Eastern Michigan riders. Their route covered about 250 miles in two days.
One of their stops included Lac du Flambeau, where the group visited the Indian Bowl for a search and rescue public demonstration by the Lac du Flambeau Police Department and the Newbold Fire Department's Search and Rescue Team dogs. Bruce explained the dogs are trained to assist in search efforts for a missing human and the audience was able to see it in action.
The ride brings visibility and awareness to the ongoing epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Men, and Children. Going forward, Bruce has plans to build an Inter-Tribal Search and Rescue Team. He envisions individuals from each tribal community in Wisconsin being trained in the specifics of searching for a missing person.
During each stop the riders felt the love in every community. Connections were formed at each stop by sharing food and water, speaking with leaders about what needs to happen next, and participating in water ceremonies and tobacco offerings.
The riders adorned their bikes with ribbons carrying the names of those missing or murdered, and whenever possible they connected with missing or murdered individuals' families.
"We're here to listen, give hugs, and console," Bruce said.
Bruce also shared this public statement:
"I hope you got to see some great people coming together for this first time Wisconsin Indigenous Riders MMIW/ MMIP Awareness Ride. This event has come together since March through an inter-tribal riding group with many talents willing to join together and put a ride together.
"It peaked so much interest from every direction. New York, East Michigan, Northern Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Wisconsin Tribes, such as Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee, Menominee, Mole Lake Chippewa, Forest County Potawatomi, Lac Du Flambeau Chippewa, Red Cliff Chippewa, Bad River Chippewa, and Ho-Chunk Nation Riders."
Planning and logistics involved many. These include law enforcement agencies, Wisconsin MMIW Task Force, Native Women groups, Tribal Lodging hotels, ribbon name makers, various Tribal Councils, Newbold Search And Rescue Team, Rapid Search and Rescue Team, Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy, Inc., Waking Women's Healing Institute, Wisconsin MMIW Task Force, Ho-Chunk Casino and Hotel, all staff in Wittenberg, Menominee People's at Keshena Falls, Tribal Police, Potawatomi Cultural Center, Lac Du Flambeau Indian Bowl staff, LDF Tribal Police, Veterans groups, Bad River Casino Lodge staff, Redcliff Tribal Council, Red Cliff Family Violence Department, Legendary Waters Casino Hotel and Campground-and our Prayers to our Creator.
"Proceeds go to update and improve billboards to create Awareness in Wisconsin. Along the way, we saw deer, skunks, a bear crossed in front of us, and eagles. Just before ending, a Bald Eagle flew by carrying a large fish in its talons. Thanks again, everyone. We shall continue carrying the message. We all are feeling some happiness," LaMere said.
Story courtesy of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.
