The Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride, led by Dakota riders, returned to New Ulm on Christmas Eve 2024 after a one-year hiatus, continuing its mission to honor the 38 Dakota men executed in Mankato in 1862 and promote healing between Dakota and non-Dakota communities. Originating from a vision by Lakota spiritual leader Jim Miller in 2008, the ride retraces a historic journey from the Crow Creek reservation to Mankato. For the first time, the riders not only passed through New Ulm but also stayed two nights in the city, a significant change reflecting growing local acceptance and reconciliation efforts. This shift was sparked by a 2023 encounter between a New Ulm resident and Dakota elder Wilfred Keeble, leading to community support including lodging, a Dakota dinner, and public screenings of the documentary “Dakota 38+2.”
The event symbolizes a broader educational and healing process, acknowledging that before New Ulm’s settlement, the land belonged to the Dakota people. The hosting committee, comprised of local volunteers, worked to ensure the riders felt welcome and comfortable, marking a positive step toward mutual understanding. The ride culminated in Mankato’s Reconciliation Park on December 26, coinciding with the anniversary of the largest mass execution in U.S. history. Community response has been overwhelmingly supportive, highlighting the importance of sharing diverse historical perspectives and fostering human connection through this annual journey.
