The annual Dakota 38 Memorial Run made its 37th iteration Tuesday when ceremonial staff carriers made their way into Mankato’s Reconciliation Park.
Th run is in remembrance of the Dakota 38 who were hanged in Mankato 161 years ago in the wake of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.
About 200 subsequently gathered at Land of Memories Park for a prayer ceremony and meal.
This year’s run marked a changing of the guard as Willard Malebear Jr. took over the sole duty of run organizer. Malebear is the son of the Dakota 38 Memorial Run founder Willard Malebear Sr., who is now deceased.
The younger Malebear and Austin Owen, who was a staff carrier for the run and grandson of Mankato Powwow deceased co-founder Amos Owen, in part represent the next generation of leaders for the run and memorial efforts like it. Thirty-seven years ago, the elder Malebear had a vision that was in turn interpreted by Amos Owen, who told Malebear to start the memorial run.
“The new Owens and Malebears are stepping up,” Malebear said after the prayer ceremony at Land of Memories Park. “We’re in our 30s now. It’s time we start being the generation to continue it (the run).”
The memorial runners set out early Tuesday morning to make the 71-mile trek from Fort Snelling in St. Paul to Mankato. Malebear said the run is meant to keep history in the hearts of its participants.
“By honoring our relatives, we’re honoring the injustices that still happen to this day,” Malebear said.
The annual Dakota 38+2 Wokisuye horseback ride did not take place this year, but several riders joined the runners in prayer.