The MMIR Ride rolled out from the Sky Ute Resort, through Southern Ute lands, before ending with food, live music and prayers, Sunday, Aug. 31. About 150 riders left the casino, in unison and prayer as part of the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally. Hosted by Native Love, Rider Justice, the Sky Ute Casino Resort, and many others, the annual ride brought riders from across the nation in support of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives epidemic affecting Native communities nation wide. A proclamation passed by the Southern Ute Tribe was read by former councilwoman and Native Love board member, Vanessa Torres. A blessing was given by Bailey Cotonuts and a prayer song by Ute members. The riders proceeded to the Navajo State Park for prayers and to hear testimony from familes afflicted with missing and murdered relatives. A meal was prepared and served by the Armijo and Cajero families. The day’s events ended with live performances by Sten Jodi and AntoineX.
Ute members sing a prayer song – joined by Native Love Board members – after Bailey Cotonuts gave a blessing for the riders prior to their departure from the Sky Ute Casino parking lot.
Councilwoman Marjorie Barry gave a welcome and blessed the food upon the riders arrival from their trek, before enjoying a tortilla burger and Jemez pies and cookies.
Native Love Board Members, and advocates and supporters take the stage with AntoineX and Jermatik after their performance. Native Love sponsored the event, with all proceeds going to future Native Love community events.
AntonieX and DJ Jermatik pose for a photo after their set, to close out the MMIR Ride. A day of prayer, bikes, music, food – in unision to bring awareness to the MMIR movement.
Casting a silhouette, AntoineX sings to the crowd as the sun sets over the horizon.
AntonieX hypes the crowd during his performance in the Sky Ute Casino Resort.
Sten Joddi, Owner & Operator of TMGStudios, and recording Rap artist made a special guest appearance as a supporter of the MMIR movement. He performed free of charge! Thank you Sten!
Velma Armijo and Kathleen Cajero and their families served tortilla burgers and Jemez pies and cookies to the riders of the MMIR Ride.
Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO) Cultural Outreach Coordinator, Raven Nyx speaks about SASO resources the organization offers.
Dewayne Greer of Durango said he was, "honored to have given the opportunity to carry the MMIR flag on his bike during the MMIR Ride.
Fort Lewis College students volunteered their time and energy to the MMIR Ride. They helped with registration, and distribute MMIR merchandise.
Roy O'John rocks the MMIR sticker on his trike as he and about 75 other bikes roll out in unison and prayer.
David Lucero pulls out of the Sky Ute Casino parking lot enroute to Bayfield before proceeding to the Navajo State Park for prayers and testimony.
Riders roll out from the Sky Ute Casino Resort's parking lot, making their way to Bayfield, Lake Capote, the Navajo State Park (Arboles) and eventually back to the casino.
Bo Watts and Erika Kososik ride out from the Sky Ute Casino parking lot enroute to Bayfield during the MMIR Ride.
Edward Box III, Assistant General Manager Trainee for the Sky Ute Casino Resort welcomes riders and attendees to the Sky Ute Casino Resort.
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
