+Troy Pflibsen, Director for Evangelical Mission
Since 2016, the ELCA has worked intentionally to listen to the stories of Indigenous people and understand our own role and complicity in the oppression of Indigenous people and suppression of our history. Living on the homelands of Indigenous people and cultures, with our office located between the Upper Sioux Agency and Lower Sioux Agency, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod is committed to learning from our Indigenous neighbors, building relationships, and working to bring repair for harms of the past.
As simple first steps in this process, synod staff and congregation members all around the synod recently visited the Jeffers Petroglyphs and the Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site. Learning, listening and building connections are indeed first steps. We have much more to learn.
At the Fall Theological Conference, synod leaders were invited to view a film in which Bemidji State Professor Anton Treuer discusses his book "Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask.” I recommend reading this book to help think into the connections and relationships we have with Native people. Visit antontreuer.com, to learn more about Dr. Treuer.
A powerful opportunity before us is to learn about the Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse-Ride. This ride came into existence after the Dakota 38 +2 horse ride came to a close in 2022, with the passing of the “Dreamer”, Jim Miller. That ride passed through Redwood Falls.
Both rides commemorate the hanging of 38 Dakota at the end of the US-Dakota war of 1862. You can learn more about the war from an NPR presentation: Little War on the Prairie. To see a documentary on the on the Dakota 38 + 2 Wokiksuye (Dakota for Remembering) Horse Ride click here.
Wilfred Keeble, staff carrier for the ride, helped start a new ride in 2024 called the Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride. The route for this varies a bit from the previous ride, but it passes through many of our communities and near congregations along this route. Support for this ride is welcomed and needed in the form of lodging for the people and the horses. Also food for the people and hay for the horses is needed. Even if your context is not along their route, you can still support this important work. The website for the ride is: reconciliationride.com. It has not yet been updated for 2025, but the route and dates will remain the same.
I have been invited to be a part of the Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride planning team and would love to share more information and what kind of support may be needed. Please contact me at [email protected].
