The Dakota Conflict

In 1862, when Minnesota was still a young state, the people of the Eastern Dakota Nation had been relegated to a reservation on a narrow strip of land along the Minnesota River. Times were hard and Dakota families went hungry. When the U.S. government broke its promises and failed to send treaty payments, some of the Dakota went to war against the white settlers. Many Dakota did not join in, choosing to aid and protect settlers instead. The fighting lasted six weeks and many people on both sides were killed or fled the state. 1600 Dakota were imprisoned in a camp below Fort Snelling in present day Minneapolis. Dakota men were tried in a military court and on December 26, 1862, thirty-eight were hanged in Mankato in the largest mass execution in U.S. history.

Directed by Kristian Berg, The Dakota Conflict leans on a strong ensemble — Garrison Keillor, Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman, Sally Wingert — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about tv movie titles of 1993.