These thirty-eight men were members of the Dakota Nation. These men represented the Dakota people who fought in the Sioux War of l862. These men were leaders and heroes, men who fought for their people and their land. These men represented Dakota people who reacted to injustice, dishonesty, oppression, greed, and deception as any other group of people would react. In fact, these thirty-eight men and their people were not unlike the white colonists who rebelled against the injustice and oppression of their mother country and fought for their independence some 200 years ago.
In addition to 265 others, these thirty-eight Dakota men on November 5, l862, were accused by Colonel Sibley's military "court" of murder and sentenced to death. (According to Meyer's HISTORY OF THE SANTEE SIOUX, "the revered Anglo- Saxon principle of law that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty was reversed in the case of the Indians.") These men were accused of crimes and atrocities which are part of any war and which are committed by both sides.
The main question to be asked, however, is: Why did such an execution take place? that is, what occurred in the past that led to the Sioux War of l862 in which these thirty-eight Dakota men were participants? One main reason is the promise-breaking on the part of the United States government, especially in reference to the treaties of 1851 and 1858, i.e., the non-fulfillment or late fulfillment of government obligations incurred under the terms of those treaties. Incidentally, this process of treaty violations by the U.S. government is still occurring today (e.g. the broken treaty of the Shoshones of Battle Mountain). Other major reasons were the dishonesty and greed of traders and agents, the arrogant manner by which the U.S. government would attempt to punish the whole Dakota Nation for the behavior of a few Dakota (viz., Inkpaduta and his followers), and the lust for land and pressure exerted by white settlers.
As we enter into the Bicentennial celebration, it is important to remember that Indian people have nothing to celebrate. The 400 year relationship between Indians and whites has been characterized by injustice and oppression. However, Indian people do have something to contribute at this time.
Native American people can point out an important truth. There are many different groups of people in the United States. Each group has its own history and heritage. Each group has its own leaders and heroes. Each group has had a role in and has contributed to the great heritage which all Americans share in and enjoy.
Indian people have their great men and women, their patriots, and their martyrs. These thirty-eight Dakota were patriots and martyrs who fought for their people and gave their lives for their land.
What happened in Mankato on November 5, l862 was a time of hatred and vengeance. What is happening again Mankato on November 5, l975 can be a time of reconciliation, the beginning of a new era of understanding and mutual respect between Native American people and white people. It is appropriate that Indian people, as represented by the Dakota people of Minnesota, the American Indian Movement, and the Native People's Bicentennial Commission, and white people, as represented by the citizens of Mankato and Minnesota, together honor these thirty-eight Indian men and honor their spirit which is the proud and independent human spirit.
This text is written by the NATIVE PEOPLE'S BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION, November 5th, 1975.
A memorial run commemorating and honoring the 38th Dakota Warriors is held Christmas night with a ceremony on December 26th each year.
