The photo above is of Dakota,Chief Shakopee, or Little Six, who was the other man of the plus 2, he was kidnapped in Canada, with Medicine Bottle), where they had gone to for safety. They were returned to Minnesota and both were hung in 1865.

Shakopee the elder, along with Wabasha and Big Eagle was for the Whites, and some believed that had he lived, there would have been no war, however he died the summer of 1862, and his son took over the Band, which was a large one. Little Six was not for the whites.

The war started because four young men while out hunting for food, killed some white settlers near Acton, after being discovered stealing eggs. They were from Shakopee's band, and they came to Little Crow to tell him what had happened, it was at this meeting that Little Crow was called a coward, his speech happened and the war started. Big Eagle says the young men's names were, Brown Wing, Breaking Up, Killing Ghost and Runs against Something when Crawling. He said their names had never been printed.

Shakopee was not hung because of what happened with the young men and as far as I know they weren't hung. Shakopee took part in some murders of white civilians, which is why he was hung.

When I came to America in 1981, I researched various things in Princeton library, the Dakota in MN was one, from that I learned about the hangings and the history. A few years later I went to MN for a visit, I went to New Ulm and Mankato, and asked different people about it and how they felt, they were all, like me, non-Native.

I was surprised and disgusted that not one person knew about the history or the hangings. I thought maybe I asked the wrong people, but now, after so many years of being involved in various things to do with the Dakota 38 + 2/3 I don't think so. So many people have said they didn't know about what happened, they wanted to learn, so my late husband Chuck (Dakota) and myself did just that, we educated via our Center in Pipestone. (Little Feather Center) Sadly he passed in 2010 and I returned to England where I continue the education where possible.

I am so thankful for others, many now also passed, who over the years have also educated people on this travesty, this terrible part of Minnesota's history, of this sadness that still resides within the Dakota people. Thanks Art Owen, Ray Owen, Baine and Lillian Wilson, Chris Mato Nunpa, Diane Wilson, Phyllis, Jill McNutt, Alberta and Jim Miller, the Smooth Feather Team who made the Movie, and all others through the years who have taken this quest on their shoulders and told the story.

Thanks to all of you supporters who are also continuing the education. One day everyone will know about these Dakota men who were hung and the history of what happened there. Thank you all.

Gloria Hazell Derby (Admin of the group for 11 years.)

Sarah Hernandez
Young leader getting his ponies ready for the ride to Fort Ridgely; 17 miles in windy weather. Wind chill 10 degrees.