This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Staff Writer Laura Cole. Culture and care

We don’t always know who to specifically thank for creating the products we purchase and use in everyday life. At Lakota Made, her name is Megan Schnitker, and she’s the owner of the first Lakota business in Mankato.

Lakota Made is located in the Old Town district and carries a wide array of Indigenous-made herbal remedies and personal care products.

Originally from South Dakota, Schnitker is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. A desire for reclamation led her to learn more about the native plants valued by her culture. Now a traditional herbalist, she uses her research and the knowledge she’s learned from elders to create all of the recipes for the Lakota Made products. The ingredients Schnitker selects can aid in areas such as pain relief, immune system boosting, and hair and skin care.

Tinctures, tonics, syrups, and teas are available for purchase and can be used when sick, but also as a means to maintain or optimize wellness, Schnitker explained. “Teas are the lightest way to take medicine. Tinctures are the strongest.”

Other products sold include shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars, lip balms, plant-based makeup, medicinal and pain relief salves, bath teas, infused oils, and cologne balms.

Schnitker stated 90 percent of the plants used are harvested locally. Plants not available in the area are outsourced from sustainable farms in Maine and Kansas. She stated the products sold at Lakota Made are for people of all cultural backgrounds to enjoy and benefit from.

Schnitker also believes in strong support for her community. Currently, 70 percent of Lakota Made’s employees are Indigenous. She is fast to recognize her team for their work and knowledge of the products. She also highlighted the items available at the store from other Indigenous-owned businesses such as Prairie Willow, Honey Lodge, and Lakota Foods.

Established in 2018, Lakota Made moved to its current location in May 2022. All products are made and packaged at this site. It is a spacious setting filled with beautiful décor complimenting the merchandise on display. The fragrances and tranquil music playing in the background make visiting Lakota Made an all-encompassing experience.

The store’s current location is mere blocks from a tragic landmark. In 1862, the largest mass execution in U.S. history took place in Mankato when 38 Dakota men were hanged. Schnitker recognizes injustices and also carries a forward focused objective. She has a passion for educating others about Indigenous art, history, and culture through the Mahkato Revitalization Project as well as through Lakota Made. “We’re continuing the work of rebuilding relationships,” she said. “We’re repairing relationships.”

Schnitker stated Lakota Made’s primary location will always be in Mankato, but envisions future expansion. She has a goal to create more jobs for Indigenous people by having a Lakota Made produc-