MANKATO — Revived Native American horseback rides to Mankato that conclude in the coming week were the topic of a recent discussion on FreepCast, the podcast by Free Press journalists.
Photo Editor Casey Ek and Managing Editor Joe Spear discuss the history of the ride that covers hundreds of miles and is completed in a ceremony Dec. 26 in downtown Mankato in commemoration of the execution of 38 Dakota on that date in 1862 after the U.S.-Dakota War.
The event has evolved into two rides this year consisting of the Dakota Exiles Ride from Santee, Nebraska, and the Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride originating in Crow Creek, South Dakota.
The Free Press will expand its usual coverage of the rides in the coming days with stories and photos, including chronicling of the riders at the Jeffers Petroglyphs, a historic Native American site.
The journalists also talk about the latest updates on plans for North Mankato to open its own dog impound facility while awaiting changes at Blue Earth Nicollet County Human Society.
You can listen to FreepCast via the webplayer above, the YouTube link below or at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get podcasts.