OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Mvskoke Riders led a pack of motorcycle riders from various tribes as they pulled into the College of Muscogee Nation after traveling along the 30th Annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride on September 18.
Over tens of thousands of motorcycle riders consisting of multiple tribal-affiliated biker groups traveled to Bridgeport, AL to pay tribute to those who walked the trail by riding the official route in remembrance of the tragic period.
The Trail of Tears was a route taken during the forced removal of tribes including the Muscogee, Cherokee, Seminole, Chickasaw and Choctaw people. They were forced to march through multiple states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee. At the end of the tragic route they arrived in Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma.
People of various tribes from the Creek Confederacy endured an 800-mile journey, with an additional 400 miles through waters over a period of three to four months in harsh winter conditions.
MCN Veterans Affairs Director Grover Wind rode alongside his comrades in the Mvskoke Riders group.
“It’s an honor for us to be able to participate on the part of the trail our ancestors walked on,” Wind siad. “We are looking forward to representing the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.”
Wind said they are fortunate to be much more comfortable during their ride than walking, but affirmed the event was to honor their ancestors, and not for reenactment purposes.
CMN welcomed the riders for dinner as they ended their journey in Okmulgee.
For more information follow the MCN VASO on Facebook.
