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Carrying a Message of Healing
Three St. Joseph’s Indian School siblings have experienced a horseback ride that is unlike any other. Jasleen Archambeau, Isaiah Keeble, and Ezmiah Middletent joined their grandfather Wilfred Keeble this winter on the Dakota 38+2 Memorial Ride that took place from December 8 to 26, 2019. This horse ride is a 16-day spiritual journey that honors the 38 Dakota warriors who were publically executed on December 26, 1862, in Mankato, Minn., in the largest mass execution in United States history. The “+2” honors two additional warriors who were kidnapped from Canada three years later, brought back to the United States, and then executed. The ride starts in Lower Brule, S.D., and ends at the site of the hanging in Mankato.
Planning for the first ride started in 2005, and since 2007 riders from across the Northern Plains have gathered to honor the lives of the warriors. Jasleen, the youngest of the siblings, is a
,Although this 300-mile ride can get very cold and difficult, Keeble feels it shows his grandchildren the importance of reconciliation, prayer, and sacrifice. “The main reason for this ride is to bring awareness and to carry a message of reconciliation and healing.” Keeble has been part of the ride since the planning stages. He has participated in every annual ride and plans to as long as he is able.
You can learn more about cultural opportunities across our St. Joseph’s Indian School campus by visiting our Cultural and Spiritual Life page.
In 2007, the Smooth Feather Productions film crew joined the Sacred Ceremony and created an award-winning documentary of the journey, Dakota 38. “This film was created in line with Native healing practices. In honoring this ceremony, we are screening and distributing “Dakota 38″ as a gift rather than for sale. This film was inspired by one individual’s dream and is not promoting any organization or affiliated with any political or religious groups. It was simply created to encourage healing and reconciliation.“