WINDSOR, Ill. (WAND) — It's a journey stretching thousands of miles — from Mankato, Minn. to Coleman, Fla. — for justice.
Wicitokabiyanke means "runs before them." And on this journey, he's running to forefront of what he considers one of the gravest injustices of his time: the imprisonment of Leonard Peltier.
"We want to bring attention to the injustice that the indigenous people of this continent have been receiving for...years," he said. "Mr. Peltier is innocent and he needs to be acquitted."
Peltier, a Native American activist, was convicted of first degree murder in the deaths of two FBI agents in 1975.
Wicitokabiyanke says the trial was biased from the start and attempted at a presidential pardon haven't gained traction in the Oval Office. But that's why he and his fellow riders are making this journey of awareness, stopping for the night in Windsor, Ill. at the home of Linda Elson.
"We definitely support their heritage," Elson said. "It's what my husband would've wanted."
While the horses graze in the pasture, two worlds collide, sharing stories — and smiles.
"We want to share that love and unity as we go along," Wicitokabiyanke said. "It's outstanding to know that the Illinois people are very understanding and they're open-minded and open-hearted."
