Record breaking heat notwithstanding, members of numerous Native American tribes gathered this weekend for the 45th annual Mankato Powwow. The event is held at Land of Memories Park, also called Reconciliation Park, in Mankato--the site of the largest mass execution in US history. In 1862, 38 Dakota Sioux were hanged for their part in the Sioux uprising. That uprising, where over 400 white settlers died, was the result of another treaty broken by the US government, and the loss of land in exchange for poverty on a reservation. And on it goes. But the spirit of reconciliation has resulted in this event and sacred place. We watched the Grand Entry and I was particularly fascinated by the veteran color guard, all Native Americans, marching with the same dance step as the traditionally garbed men, women, and children. A wonderful example of cultural blend.
That traditional regalia has to be especially uncomfortable in the heat but it didn't seem to slow any of the dancers down. One man carried a staff with 38 feathers in honor of the men who died in this place. Drum groups surrounded the arena and the beat accented the chants and tinkle of bells sewn on much of the apparel.
Vendors around the outside of the arena sold Native jewelry, art work, wood carvings, and clothing. Food stands provided everything from frybread and Indian Tacos to barbecue, shaved ice and kettlecorn.
An added bonus for me was meeting Timya Owen. Timya is from Minneapolis and he husband's family has been instrumental in organizing this event. She works in sports media management but is also president of the Minneapolis chapter of Sisters in Crime, a group of women mystery writers. She was one of my first readers to contact me about my books and has been very supportive since. She and her group are working on an anthology of Minnesota stories to be published next year called The Dark Side of the Loon.
We did not last much past the Grand Entry. I have never done well in heat, and the older we get, the more taxing it is. But it is a wonderful event, emphasizing both a dark stain on our history that we should always be mindful of and the hope of reconciliation.
An added bonus for me was meeting Timya Owen. Timya is from Minneapolis and he husband's family has been instrumental in organizing this event. She works in sports media management but is also president of the Minneapolis chapter of Sisters in Crime, a group of women mystery writers. She was one of my first readers to contact me about my books and has been very supportive since. She and her group are working on an anthology of Minnesota stories to be published next year called The Dark Side of the Loon.
We did not last much past the Grand Entry. I have never done well in heat, and the older we get, the more taxing it is. But it is a wonderful event, emphasizing both a dark stain on our history that we should always be mindful of and the hope of reconciliation.
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