The Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) held a Native American Freedom Run on July 18.
The Freedom Run is an adaptation of the Sacred Hoop Run that takes place every year in South Dakota. It is done to bring awareness not only to the Native American race, but the hardships they endure, as well as traumatic experiences including suicide and other mental health issues.
At the beginning of the event, participants burn sage and breath it in in order to cleanse the body and begin the healing process.
They gather in a circle and say a prayer and then the youngest member of the group starts the run while carrying the prayer staff. They run with the staff to keep the positive energy flowing and give back to their community.
Anyone can participate in the Freedom Run. They do not have to be a member of any club or be Native American.
Participant Luke St. Cyr said the run is about Native American awareness. “If people are not aware they won’t respect us.”