The 1862 Hangings Were Remembered in Mankato with Ceremonies & Prayer

Chief Arvol Looking Horse (Lakota Sioux) conducted the ceremonies and prayers Wednesday. Photo by Raymond Mukuk

Published December 27, 2018

MANKATO, Minn. — The Dakota 38 + 2 Wokiksuye Ride made its final journey to Reconciliation Park at downtown Mankato, Minnesota on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 to honor the 38 Dakota who were hanged on day after Christmas 156 years ago on the approval of President Abraham Lincoln.

The Dakota 38+2 Memorial Ride began in 2005 as a way to promote reconciliation between American Indians and non-Native people. Other goals of the Memorial Ride include: provide healing from historical trauma; remember and honor the 38 + 2 who were hanged; bring awareness of Dakota history and to promote youth rides and healing.

The hangings, approved by Lincoln, were the result of the Dakota War of 1862, which terminated the rights of Dakota people from living in Minnesota at that time.

38+2 rriders in downtown Mankato.

The ride honors 38 Dakota, who were hanged in Mankato on Dec. 26, 1862, as well as two additional American Indian warriors, who made their way to Canada, but were brought back to Minnesota and executed three years later.

Hundreds gathered to remember those executed.

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