SANTEE, Neb. -Native Americans to ride over 200 miles on horseback for generations lost.

They started their journey from the South Dakota border to honor lives lost. 

"This ride is all about honoring our grandmothers who struggled, endured, and survived Crow Creek," said Jim Hallum. 

Hallum created the memorial ride seven years ago to remember tragedies from 158 years ago.

Several Dakota tribes were forced onto Crow Creek to form the reservation, under conditions where over 1,300 people died of malnutrition and abuse over three years in the 1860s. 

"We struggle. We're sore," said Hallum. "It's nothing compared to what they went through."

Hallum says the journey recognizes strength.

"We just honor them," said Hallum. "We honor them for being mothers. They did anything and everything to try and keep the children alive."

The ride isn't just for the women and children from the past, but also the current generations.

"To me, I see this part as healing and as a recovery process," said Erica Jones.

Jones is a direct descendant of the Crow Creek women.

The Journey will conclude at Pierre South Dakota on June 4.