The photo above is of Dakota, Andrew Good Thunder (Wakinyanwaste) and his wife Sarah in old age in Morton where the Ride reaches today.

During the war he was married to Snana (who rescued and took care of a German girl named Mary Schwandt. She stayed with Snanna until she was handed over to Sibley at Camp Release. They stayed good friends all their lives. ) Goodthunder and Snana had several children but all died young, two at Ft Snelling where the couple were put after the war ended. They separated in 1865. Snana died in 1908

Wakinyanwaste was the first male Dakota adult to be baptized by Henry Whipple in 1861, he was named, as his Dakota name says, (Andrew) Good Thunder. Good Thunder and his family remained in the Morton area, a very rare occurrence as most Dakota were banned from being in MN, this was due to both the help they gave to the white settlers during the war and to Whipple’s lobbying on their behalf.

Good Thunder was in the friendly camp along with Taopi and Wabasha and signed a letter to General Sibley along with the other two asking for help for the captive women and children that a lot of the Dakota had with them, they did not think it right that women and children had to endure such hardship and wanted them to be made secure from harm. A number of other friendly Dakota did the same thing and so eventually Sibley had to send troops out to help. Before they arrived though the friendly camp had grown to over 100 tipi's each with at least one captive woman or child inside, being kept safe from those who would kill or harm them.

Many of these captives, if not all, were known to the Dakota who were helping them, they had lived close by each other for a long time and also went to the same church in many instances, so knew they would be safe. You will read about one Sarah Wakefield, the doctor's wife who, with her children, was kept safe by Chaska on December 26th page.

Andrew was a very respected man with both the Dakota and the whites, he did move for a while to Santee in Nebraska, but came back after a few years to his home of Morton, where his family still reside today. His descendants are hosting the meal tonight.

A wish upon a star,a wish upon a planet..sending gratitude and respect for the riders and horse nation for the journey you are making.

Many folks are rushing around to obtain items they believe will "fix" the world's problems. Never to realize those items will be obsolete in a few moments...they will be outdated,too small, not the right kind. Meanwhile, we have four legged's, brothers, sisters, elders, and young ones making a journey that has all of the elements to bring balance and healing to all. Surrounded by ancestors and all that is sacred,carrying prayers upon their hearts for healing and reconciliation.

May we all remember this is for all of us...to acknowledge, to honor, to heal, and to forgive. To have a healing forest...where hatred no longer resides, where love, respect, and honor is the way for all. Where darkness is not welcome and where light always shines.

May each step of your day, each breath, and every prayer bring peace and healing to you and the world. May you know many prayers have been said for you. Prayers of gratitude for showing us how listening to our messages can heal if we are willing. How when one knows it is the right path to follow there is No stopping. With Creator/Great Mystery/Great Spirit/Wanka Tanka watching over you today will be a great day to ride!

May Grandfather Sun keep you warm,Mother Earth surround you with beauty,and all of the blessings be yours.
Thank you for changing this life and many to come
Love, honor, and respect
from Texas

Mo Nichols

Rita Marsh
May the spirit of the sun continue to shine on your journey... Grateful for its presence thus far!

Margareta Sherman
What happened? he's a strong warrior! Sage Blessings

Elaine McCloud
Ride With The Ancestors each day surrounded by our prayers! Thank you for The Sacred Work you do! Great Grandmother from Chehalis Reservation in Washington State!