State Historical Society of North Dakota hosts a day of Indigenous programming

In Bismarck, North Dakota people in and around the capital city participated in events during November’s Native American Heritage Month.

During this month people all over the country come together to honor the contributions and histories of Indigenous Americans. This year the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, the Native Tourism Alliance and the Historical Society of North Dakota invited the community to participate in a learning day.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen Jennifer Martel talks about providing an opportunity for students to get a better understanding of Native culture and history.

“Today we are hosting culture, we’re hosting dance, song a little of every culture in North Dakota,” said Jennifer Martel, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, board member Native American Tourism Alliance. “We’re sharing with the local schools we’ve had schools coming in, the kids coming in. Because if we don’t, meaning don’t share or don’t educate, I don’t think North Dakota will understand that we’re still here, we’re still in existence.”

The Heritage Museum, located on state capitol grounds, has a permanent exhibit dedicated to Native people and Nations in the state. For this special event, the community was treated to Indigenous foods, vendors and speakers.

Students, teachers and community members packed the auditorium to listen to and watch performances of contemporary songs and dances.

Mandan Hidatsa Arikara nation citizen Norman Benson, who was invited to speak, says it is important for everyone to know that Indigenous people are still here. Organizers say the event was a success and next year they hope to make it bigger and better.