Winona-Dakota Reconciliation Gathering October 5-6, 2024

Celebrating Unity and Healing at the Winona-Dakota Gathering 2024

On October 5-6, 2024, the Winona-Dakota Gathering took place at Unity Park in Winona, MN, continuing its tradition of honoring the relationship between the Dakota Nations and the local community. This annual event, hosted by the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance (WDUA), is a powerful testament to reconciliation, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. The gathering focuses on fostering sustainable alliances and healing from historical traumas through shared experiences.

Over the weekend, the gathering featured Sunrise Ceremonies each morning and a Veteran Flag Raising to pay tribute to Native American veterans. One of the key highlights was the Grand Entry, a drum and dance ceremony open to all participants, inviting everyone to engage with Dakota traditions. Vendors showcased authentic Native American arts, crafts, and foods, while the community took part in cultural education through learning tents and art activities.

A central aspect of the gathering was the Remember Our Loved Ones (ROLO) Memorial held on Sunday, a heartfelt tribute to those lost to opioids and alcohol. This ceremony, organized in partnership with the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, provided a space for reflection, healing, and community support, focusing on resilience and wellbeing.

The Unity Feast on Saturday evening further embodied the spirit of the gathering, allowing participants to share a meal in the tradition of Dakota hospitality. Educational booths, community resources, and children's activities also contributed to making the event a holistic and inclusive experience.

At its heart, the Winona-Dakota Gathering continues to promote reconciliation and friendship, emphasizing the importance of understanding history and building lasting relationships. This year’s event once again strengthened the ties between the Indigenous and local communities in Winona.

Event Details

Flandreau Gordon Weston Post Lodge Honor Guard Flagraising Ceremony @ Winona's Unity Park (Oct 5, 2024)

Host Drum Hoka Hey Singers at Winona's 20th Annual Dakota Gathering & Reconciliation Ceremony (Oct 5-6, 2024)

Linda Eagle Speaker delivers Opening Prayer for WDUAs Remember our Loved Ones Memorial (Oct 6, 2024)

Minneapolis Native Youth performing Wolverine skit by Ikidowin Acting Ensemble @ Winona-Dakota Reconciliation & Gathering (Oct 6, 2024)

Minneapolis Native Youth performing Wolverine skit by Ikidowin Acting Ensemble @ Winona-Dakota Reconciliation & Gathering 3 (Oct 6, 2024)

SWST Spiritual Leader Arnold Williams leads WDUAs Talk & Reconciliation Circle @ Unity Park (Oct 5, 2024)

SWST Spiritual Leader Arnold Williams leads WDUAs Talk & Reconciliation Circle @ Unity Park 3 (Oct 5, 2024)

WDUA Gathering MC Butch Felix, Spiritual Leader Arnold Williams & Host Drum Hoka Hey Singers @ Unity Park (Oct 5-6, 2024)

WDUA MC Butch Felix & Spiritual leader Arnold Williams providing Native & Cultural Education to Visitors @ Unity Park. (2024)

WDUA MC Butch Felix (aka Chief Crazy Horse pose) leading Winona-Dakota Friendship Round Dance (Oct 6, 2024)

WDUA President Katie addressing Visitors @ Winona-Dakota Gathering (Oct 6, 2024)

WDUA Visitors attending Winona's 20th Annual Dakota Gathering & Reconciliation events @ Unity Park 2(Oct, 2024)

Host Drum 'Hoka Hey Singers' at Winona's 20th Annual Dakota Gathering & Reconciliation Ceremony 2 (Oct 5-6, 2024)

Winona's Beautiful WDUA Unity Park setting before 20th Annual Dakota Gathering begins (Oct 4, 2024)

Winona Mayor Scott Sherman Welcoming Visitors to 2024 Winona-Dakota Reconciliation & Gathering

WDUA's 20th Annual Winona-Dakota Reconciliation & Gathering @ Winona's Unity Park (Oct 5-6, 2024)

WDUA & Flandreau Honor Guard Volunteers working together raising Native American Vets Tent & Tipi @ Winona Unity Park 2 (Oct 4, 2024)

WDUA & Flandreau Honor Guard Volunteers working together raising Native American Vets Tent & Tipi @ Winona Unity Park (Oct 4, 2024)

WDUA Visitors attending Winona's 20th Annual Dakota Gathering & Reconciliation events @ Unity Park 3(Oct, 2024)

WDUA Visitors attending Winona's 20th Annual Dakota Gathering & Reconciliation events @ Unity Park (Oct, 2024)

WDUA President Katie with Commander Bernard & Tipi driver Volunteer @ Winona's Unity Park (Oct 5, 24)

President Katie & WDUA Volunteers express Appreciation to Sponsor Culligan Water of Winona for donating water for Dakota Gathering