Dakota 38 + 2 Memorial Ride 2018

Day 2

The photo above is of Dakota, Wo-wi-na-pe, (Thomas Wakeman) Little Crow's son who was with him when his father was killed in 1863. Wo-wi-na-pi escaped but just 26 days after his father was killed he was captured, tried, found guilty of joining in the war, and was sentenced to hang. He was reprieved and sent to Davenport, Iowa, he was released in 1866, pardoned and sent to Santee Nebraska. In 1874 he went to live near Flandreau, he was a Christian at that point and helped in the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1886 at Redwood Falls in MN. He memorized his father's speech to the Dakota when they asked him to go war, and Wo-wi-na-pe told it to a number of people who wrote it down, including the Reverend Stephen Riggs, which is why we know it by rote in various books. It ends, 'Ta-o-ya-te-du-ta is not a coward; he will die with you.'

Mo Nichols
Good morning relatives. We have all been blessed with another day. This day is a another special one. As our brothers, sisters, the horse nation,spirits of our ancestors gather as one may we lift, support, honour and respect them all. May we remember this ride is about remembering,acknowledging,and healing us all.
May Creator hear every prayer. May Grandfather Sun warm the bodies,guide with the light,provide the flourishing of the fields for which nourish us all. May the Thunder and Cloud Nation be kind along the route. May Mother Earth gently absorb the pitter-patter of hooves and all dangers be removed. May the winds be gentle and assist in lifting our prayers and smoke to the Great Mystery. My grandmother Moon watch over our Riders and horses while they slumber. May all two-legged along the way be generous,respectful,and loving to our riders and four legged. May our Riders know they are not alone... the spirit of our ancestors surround them, many of us ride with you in spirit. Be the powerful warriors that you are. Let what you know to be true and right always shine forth.
With humbled gratitude for all that you are about to accomplish. Thank you for changing this life. Love,honour,and respect.

Wilfred Keeble on the first day of the Ride in Lower Brule.

Crow Creek and Fort Thompson
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

Bands: Mdewakanton (People of Spirit Lake), Ihanktonwan (People of the End)
Traditional Language: Dakota
Location: Crow Creek Indian Reservation in central South Dakota
Major Industry: Agriculture

Established: 1 July 1863
Population: 206 (2000 census)

Thank you to the Crow Creek Sioux for the use of the rodeo grounds, our hotel rooms and the wonderful meals at the casino!

Today the Ride goes 30 miles from Fort Thompson to Wessington Springs, where the horses will stay at the Fair Grounds and the Riders will stay at the Wessington Springs 4-H buildingl. Breakfast and lunch will be at the Crow Creek Hotel, hosted by Wilfred's sister, Dolly Charging Whirlwind and one of our members, Mona Rencountre. Dinner will be at the Chuck Wagon

Acts of Congress in February and March 1863 abrogated, or revoked, all treaties between the U.S. government and the Santee Dakota. As a result, all but a few protected groups of Dakota were exiled from Minnesota. Minnesota’s Ho-Chunk Indians living in Blue Earth County near Mankato, eleven of whom were tried for participation in the war, were also expelled from the state. This expulsion ushered in an era of bare survival for the Dakota, as well as the disintegration of many families.

In May of 1863 1,300 Dakota were loaded onto steamboats and sent to Crow Creek reservation. Crowded onto the boats and weakened by imprisonment, many died on the voyage. The new reservation was desolate and food was scarce. In the first six months at Crow Creek more than 200 Dakota people died, most of them children.

John Williamson, the son of missionary Thomas Williamson, accompanied the Dakota to Crow Creek and was instrumental in their survival. During the winter of 1863, he convinced Colonel Thompson to allow some of the Dakota men to go on a buffalo hunt, which furnished them with enough meat to last through the winter. "It is not starving to death here yet, but it is starvation all the time." John P. Williamson, Crow Creek, Dakota Territory, January 6, 1864.

See more at: http://usdakotawar.org/history/aftermath/exile#sthash.8Cy1DA5n.dpuf

From one of the Riders:
"By the time they were sent to Crow Creek, most of the people left were women. A lot died along the way, a lot died when they got here. I've read lots of journals from soldiers and missionaries. One of the soldiers mentioned that the women would go to the horse corrals each morning and pick grain from the horse feces to feed their children. A lot of honorable women also had to resort to prostitution to feed their children. These are the things they were forced to do. To us Dakota people, women are sacred, and should be treated as such. I want to make sure they're recognized for their strength, perseverance, wisdom, and intelligence."
Peter Lengkeek, Crow Creek, (2011)

Peter Lengkeek, preparing to paint the horses before the Ride yesterday (2018)

First day of the Ride at Lower Brule

Prayers and Good wishes from the Supporters Group for today

Raven Soulliere It has begun... Prayers and love	Harriet Labs Prayers love and good vibes for the ride for everyone
Tachiinii Asdzaa Love the pics of the ride and horses! Gid bless you all. Blessings for a good ride in remembrance! From CRIT Parker	Carol Mendez Prayers sent on this special ride an many thanks for the horses an people riding
Tonya Crady Tonya Crady Prayers up for a safe journey. Much love and light to all.	Ronda Loyer Ronda Loyer Safe journey Riders, Horses, Supporters
Mina Shike Attawishshamaash	Jeanne Zimmerman Prayers for all of you.
Marilyn Mni Wakan Win Prayers for all on this sacred journey,may the creator watch and protect everyone.	Lisa Brunick Traveling mercies to the riders, horses & supporters. Thank you for honoring the past & educating the future.
Karla Harris Prayers to all. Thank you all!	Cha Williams Prayers
Joyce Duncan Sending love, prayer.	Barbara Archambault Prayers for a safe journey
Lin Zee Sending lots of love and prayers from Isabella Reservation in Michigan	Ruth Gerhardt All good thoughts and prayers sent
Blythe Stillwell Sending love, light, lots of energy and prayers for all on the journey	Pam Becker Waiting in Mankato! Travel safe,love and peace to all!
Volney Fasthorse Dakhota’s from Inyan Wakagapi (Cannon Ball) and Bde Tanka (Big Lake) on their way to Hunkpati Territory for the Dakhota 38+2 Wokiksuye Ride...Hokahe!!	Kaitlyn Rider I have smudged and sent up my prayers for the riders and their horses, for a safe and healing journey. I have made a commitment to wear a bone choker necklace during the duration of their journey, to symbolize my solidarity and being with them in spirit. Mitakuye Oyasin! And safe travels!
Laura Lamere Love n prayers for all of you my relatives	Jane Lindahl Continued prayers and love.
Angie Brandel Warm thoughts coming from Iowa! Safe travels!! Betty Ives-Smith Prayers continued!	Rita Marsh Grateful for the continuing news of the ride. Blessings to all. Also for your dedication in keeping the "outer world" Informed of this sacred journey.

First Day of the Ride

DAY 1	DAY 2	DAY 3	DAY 4	DAY 5	DAY 6	DAY 7	DAY 8	DAY 9
DAY 10	DAY 11	DAY 12	DAY 13	DAY 14	DAY 15	DAY 16	DAY 17	MEMORIAL
BOOKS	EDUCATION	Little Crow's Speech	WOMEN'S links	EXTRAS	VIDEOS	RON'S EXTRA

Most of the old photos used on this years web site come from the MN Historical Society. I was given permission years ago to use them, as long as there were no sales involved .