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Historic Series Commemorates 1862 U.S.-Dakota Conflict

Blue Earth County Historical Society and Dakota Tribal Leaders join together in 2012 to promote a year-long discovery series.

The Blue Earth County Historical Society, in partnership with the Dakota Nation leaders, will together mark the 150th anniversary of the U.S.-Dakota Conflict in an extraordinary year-long dialogue and cultural hands-on learning opportunity. Jessica Potter, executive director of the Blue Earth Historical Society announced the launch of a 12-part commemorative series to begin in January 2012. In a joint effort to move forward from the tragic events of 1862, Potter explained, "This historic opportunity provides a teachable moment and continues our commitment to building respectful relationships between non-Dakota and Dakota people that will rise above the darkest days of the Minnesota River valley's history."

Potter's reference to the river valley's "darkest days" occurred December 26, 1862 when the City of Mankato, seat of Blue Earth County, became the epicenter of the largest mass execution in U.S. history. Authority for the final order of execution by hanging came from President Lincoln who approved death sentences for 39 of the 303 Dakota prisoners captured during the conflict. Historical accounts tell that "One of the 39 was later reprieved and 38 were hung. More than 1400 soldiers of 6th, 9th and 10th Minnesota Volunteers and of the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers were on hand to maintain order among a crowd of hostile citizens."

This commemorative 12 month series entitled, "Discover the Dakota Culture & Heritage: A Monthly Educational Series Celebrating the Dakota People" was co-created by the Blue Earth County Historical Society and the Hereditary Chief of the Mdewakanton Nation and its leaders. The "Discover the Dakota" series has been in the making since early 2011 when Blue Earth County Historical Society staff organized a meeting with Hereditary Chief Ernest Wabasha and his wife Vernell along with other local leaders and Dakota community members to discuss the historic anniversary of the U.S. - Dakota Conflict. The conversation led to a decision to observe the historic anniversary through a series of relationship building activities for all ages that will strengthen mutual understanding and use the opportunity to create a teachable moment for both cultures. Vernell Wabasha commented, "It is our hope that the Dakota people will also take this opportunity to participate and learn about their heritage."

In a unique and rare opportunity, BECHS staff has collaborated with Dakota community members to enlist a wide range of cultural workers including speakers from Upper Sioux, Lower Sioux, Prairie Island and Devil's Lake Reservations. Also, the nationally acclaimed Maza Kute Drum Group of the Santee Sioux Reservation in Santee, Nebraska and the National Eagle Center of Wabasha, MN will be participants. "Discover the Dakota Culture & Heritage" series is free and open to the public. Click here for full schedule.

This project has been made possible in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2006, Administered by the Minnesota Historical Society.

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