Since 2005, tribal members and supporters have commemorated the 38 Dakota who were hung on Dec. 26, 1862 in Mankato (plus two more who were executed later) as punishment for participating in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 330-mile ride from Lower Brule, S.D. to Mankato was not held last year.

Participants ride from sunrise to sunset, trading horses about every five miles, depending on weather conditions.

At the end of each day, riders put their horses on trailers and go to a predetermined rest spot. The next day, they begin with a prayer circle.

Dakota 38 + 2 Memorial Ride participants take a break from the road with hot food and shelter in the Courtland Community Center Wednesday. Participants from South Dakota and Nebraska will spend two nights in Courtland before heading to Mankato on Christmas Eve.

Wednesday after a day of riding in 30-degree sunshine, close to 100 ride participants were treated to a meal of pulled pork, beans, hot dogs, chips, coffee and deserts.

The 17-day ride that pushed through driving snow, frozen rain, high winds and freezing temperatures, began Dec. 9, 2021.

Riders will arrive on Dec. 26 at Reconciliation Park in Mankato, where the 38 Dakota men were hung in 1862, the largest mass execution in U.S. history.

Many of the riders are descendants of the men who were hung in Mankato.

The ride was created to raise awareness of the execution, largely an untold story, and to honor those who died.

It also acts as a way to remember the importance of Native American culture, language and customs, according to Jim Hallum of Santee, Neb., a community college project director. Hallum brought seven of his best, stout horses to the ride. He’s sheltering them in a large horse trailer behind his pickup truck at night.

“For me, it’s about promoting our way of life, its culture and customs,” Hallum said. “The ride isn’t easy. Leaving Vesta, we were out in 40 mph wind gusts and below-zero windchills.”

Ride logistics and cooking coordinator Josette Peltier of Flandrau, S.D. said riders braved freezing rain and other types of rough weather. The route began in central South Dakota.

“We’re here to heal and remember those that died and pray for peace for all mankind. The world needs it,” Peltier said.

Treacy Meyer of Courtland said she volunteered to support Dakota riders several years ago by providing coffee for them.

“This year, they needed a meal, so a number of Courtland people went out and got donations including food from Hy-Vee Foods,” Meyer said.

Riders will travel to the Harkin Store on Nicollet CR 21, northwest of New Ulm for a meal on their own. They’ll return to the Courtland Community Center Thursday night.

On Christmas Eve morning, they’ll head east to Land of Memories Park in Mankato. Christmas Day is a day of rest. On Dec. 26, they’ll travel from the park to the hanging site in downtown Mankato. The public is welcome to join them there.

Rider organizer Wilfred Keeble of Fort Thompson, S.D. created a GoFundMe account to raise money for the ride. The site is receiving lots of attention and support.