Anniversary of Largest Mass Killing by United States Government

THUNDER BAY – On December 26 1862 in Mankato Minnesota, the United States Government hung thirty-eight Dakota Sioux warriors. In early December, three hundred and three Lakota prisoners were convicted of murder and rape by military tribunals and sentenced to death.

Five Minute Trials

Some trials lasted less than 5 minutes. No one explained the proceedings to the defendants, nor were the Dakota Sioux represented by defense attorneys. United States President Abraham Lincoln personally reviewed the trial records to distinguish between those who had engaged in warfare against the United States versus those who had committed crimes of rape and murder against civilians.

The Dakota Sioux went to their death in a manner that amazed and shocked the United States soldiers and jailers. They went peacefully to their death.

The mass hanging is being honoured by a group of riders who followed the trail to Mankato Minnesota where the hangings happened. The ride which happened in 2005 was the result of a vision by Jim Miller, who saw the opportunity to bring people together for healing.

The video has been made available on Youtube. The film was made by Smoothfeather Productions.