The Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing horse ride, revived in 2024 after a hiatus in 2023, honors the 38 Dakota men executed in Mankato in 1862 and promotes healing between Dakota and non-Dakota communities. Originating from a vision by Lakota spiritual leader Jim Miller, the ride begins at South Dakota’s Crow Creek Reservation and travels through several towns before concluding at Mankato’s Reconciliation Park on December 26, the anniversary of the largest mass execution in U.S. history. This year, for the second consecutive time, the riders not only passed through New Ulm but also stayed two nights in the city, a significant change reflecting growing acceptance and reconciliation efforts.

The inclusion of New Ulm as a host city came after a local resident offered support to the riders, leading to the formation of a hosting committee that organized accommodations, events, and public screenings of the documentary “Dakota 38+2.” The ride’s presence in New Ulm symbolizes progress in acknowledging Dakota history and fostering mutual understanding. John Kellen, a committee member, emphasized the educational intent of the ride and the importance of sharing the Dakota perspective, highlighting the community’s positive response and the broader goal of healing historical wounds through connection and recognition.