MANKATO, MINN. (KELO) – After traveling 330 miles on horseback, the group from Fort Thompson, South Dakota on this year’s Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride arrived in Mankato Minnesota Thursday morning.
This is the group’s first ride under a different name which was previously the 38 + 2 ride.
Upon arrival, the names of the 38 Dakota men who were hanged in the town following the Dakota War of 1862 were read aloud.
Now 162 years later, hundreds of community members gathered at Reconciliation Park to remember them and witness the dozens of riders who’ve traveled a long way on horseback.
“It’s hard to talk about what happened. It’s hard. You talk reconciliation…you’re talking healing,” Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride organizer, Wilfred Keeble said.
The group left on Dec. 10 and has been staying in community centers along the 16-day journey.
Jerry Lytle drove from Crow Creek, South Dakota to watch today’s ceremony and was on the first several 38 + 2 rides.
“The word is nostalgic, watching the ceremony and watching the people and the horses. Something welled up inside me,” Lytle said.
Lytle says he noticed there were many young riders this year.
“The things these young people are doing will resonate among the communities that are close to Indian people. In spite of everything, we’re still there, and we need to get along,” Lytle said.
Among the crowd, there were also many families and children.
“We came out because we wanted to pay respect to the tribes and show that we are sorry, even though we were not involved. And then on top of that, it’s a history lesson for the kids to learn and be a part of too,” Mankato resident, Samantha Wendt said.
As the ride honors those from the past, it’s also educating the next generation.
“This ride is a good thing and this Reconciliation Park is a good idea to remind people that we’re all one nation and that we need to get along so hopefully that’s the way the future will be,” Lytle said.
Following the ceremony, coffee was served at the Blue Earth County Library, as well as a healing circle and screening of the Dakota 38 + 2 documentary.
To see how the group prepared for the ride leaving from Fort Thompson click here.
To see the group’s stop in Pipestone, Minnesota click here.
