The Makato Reconciliation Healing and Horse Ride is a community-led event focused on healing, remembrance, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The ride brings together Elders, survivors, youth, and allies for a shared journey that blends cultural ceremony, storytelling, and symbolic action.
The ride began in Fort Thompson on the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota, and has been traveling north through multiple communities as a visible expression of healing and unity. Along the way, riders and walkers stop to rest, share stories, pray, and build relationships with local residents.
On December 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., the riders and walkers arrived in New Ulm, Minnesota, where community members gathered to welcome them and witness this moment of reflection and unity. Their presence in New Ulm served as a reminder that reconciliation is not confined to one place, but is a journey that moves through many communities and invites everyone into the process.
Participants travel on horseback and by foot along routes that reflect both historical movement and spiritual meaning. In many Indigenous cultures, the horse represents strength, guidance, and connection to the land. Riding together becomes a living expression of unity and a reminder that healing is practiced through action, not just words.
The healing aspect of the ride centers on creating safe space for reflection, prayer, and conversation. Elders often lead moments of silence, smudging, drumming, or sharing circles. These moments allow participants to acknowledge the pain caused by colonization, residential schools, and broken relationships, while also affirming the possibility of restoration and mutual respect.
Reconciliation, as expressed through this event, is understood not as a political slogan but as a personal and communal process. The ride encourages honest listening — especially to Indigenous voices — and invites non-Indigenous participants to walk humbly, learn, and build relationships rooted in truth and respect.
The Makato Reconciliation Healing and Horse Ride stands as a moving symbol of what reconciliation can look like when it goes beyond words — honoring the past, tending present wounds, and choosing a more respectful future together.
