Fort Snelling Internment Camp


This is Crow Creek

In 1863 after being held prisoner in Fort Snelling, the Women and what was left of their families, were transported by river boat to Crow Creek in South Dakota. Again being taken from the land that was their home, from everything they knew, that they were connected to. You may think that it would be a good change from the Camp they had been in for a year, but no, sadly it wasn't. Some died on the boat and were buried on the banks of the Missouri River, the rest probably expected a nice place to live where there would be food a plenty, where their children could lead a normal life albeit away from their homelands. They were sorely disappointed. There are a number of reports on the conditions at Crow Creek, all bad. Food was often un-edible, made from the things that had been rejected by the Soldiers in the area.

The photo above looks quite nice like a day out in the country, but this was not a true depiction of how it really was. Eventually at the urging of Riggs and Williamson, they were again moved, to Santee in Nebraska, where things became better, and many still reside there now who had ancestors among the 38 Families. A break away group from Santee started the Community at Flandreau where the Ride will be tomorrow. Slowly many of the Dakota returned to their homelands in Minnesota, and are still living there today in The Upper Sioux Community, Lower Sioux Indian Community, Shakopee Mdewakanton, Prarie Island Indian Community, and Pipestone Dakota Community.

It was a horrendous journey for those who lived through it all, and we remember those who were on that Journey with sadness but we recognise the strength and resourcefulness that the Dakota women had to endure the horror. Mitakuye Oyasin.

This is We-no-na (Winona, first born daughter) a young woman who looks to be pregnant. She was a Chief's daughter. You will meet this young woman again in a couple of days in a slightly different way. No longer a captive but in a place you could never even dream of in a Million or so years! Keep looking at her picture...

Today I will show you the names of the Women who were captured and imprisoned in Fort Snelling.
Are you ready for this? I wasn't when I first saw it.
The number by the side of the name indicates how many people were in her family that she was the Head of.

Being the Head of a family was the Man's role, the women had a different role to play in their normal households. So this was an alien position for them to be in. But they had to do it and cope. On top of the degredation of the war and the marching they then had to take on a role that they had to have felt was strange. They needed their men at that point, but they were imprisoned elsewhere, or dead, and so they Endured.

Wapahasa's Band (196)

Passing Hail's Band (227)

Red Leg's Band (172)

Wakute's Band (254)

Eagle Head's Band (130)

Black Dog's Band (74)

Good Road's Band (119)

Taopi's Band (390)

Yellow Medicine's Band (664)

Mixed Blood Families (142)

OK now take a breath for a moment, wipe your eyes and then read today's prayer from Mo...

Day 5. December 14th 2019

Prayer for today

Good morning relatives, I said a prayer for you today
May the sun shine brightly, may there be little moisture in the air, may the winds gently carry our words as Mother Earth absorbs our wounds.
May Creator protect all whom ride to a place that honours our ancestors very lives, and bring comfort to all who have sacrificed so much to make peace over a very bad time.

May each stop be filled with warm furnishings, plentiful supplies, healing interactions, and restful nights sleep.

May the circle continue to grow, and the blessings to unfold; for today and everyday you show us all how to become free

Love, honour, and respect
Mitakuye Oyasin A'ho
Mo

Route for today.

Today the Ride goes from Howard to Madison 20 miles. Tonight the Riders will stay at the University Community Center as well as Bill's Farm. and the horses will be stabled at Bill Kretch's Farm

Breakfast and lunch will be with the Chuck Wagon, with Josette and Keith, and Dinner will be at the DSU Diversity Group.
Also this evening there will be a meeting at Trojen Court at 6 pm.

From our Members:

Lia Inacanyon:
Rock on !! Prayers for riders, mounts and all support staff and volunteers. May our future be consumed with love and respect
and past forgiven and free of the ignorance of hate, intolerance and fear.
You are all loved, appreciated and precious.
Good vibes sent from the southwest Texas Border .

Photos from the Ride:
I am a couple of days behind with the photos, but all are from a couple of days ago, not the actual day this is being published.

What Beautiful scenery even in the winter!


Wilfred with the Staff, Prayer Bag and Tobacco Ties

The above photos are ©Ruth Matzke Anderson who is on the Ride helping Josette and Keith

For the Women who Endured.