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MMIP motorcycle ride ends with prayers at Bear Butte
Benefit Ride to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples
Multimedia Journalist
This story was filed on July 16, 2025
The “You Are Not Forgotten” Missing Murdered Indigenous Relatives benefit ride in honor of Cole Brings Plenty began July 12 in New Town, North Dakota. The 456-mile ride traveled through the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Nation and Cheyenne River Sioux Nation before ending at Bear Butte State Park in South Dakota, according to organizers.
Riders stopped at several historical and sacred sites for prayers and teachings aimed at fostering healing, youth engagement and intertribal solidarity. Organizers said the ride raises awareness of the MMIR crisis and supports Joseph Brings Plenty Sr.’s efforts to fund the investigation into his son’s case. The event concluded with a fellowship meal at Bear Butte.
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Riders gather in a prayer circle at Bear Butte, South Dakota, to close the “You Are Not Forgotten” Missing Murdered Indigenous Persons benefit ride on July 13. The event honored Cole Brings Plenty and raised awareness of the MMIP crisis. (Photo credit/ Jodi Spotted Bear)
The video was produced by James Brugh.
James Brugh
Multimedia Journalist
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