Native American Indian Stories…
NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN Historic Sites, Hoop Dance, Powwows & Stories.
“I am going to tell you a story about clowns. But it won’t be a funny story. For us Indians everything has a deeper meaning. To us a clown is somebody sacred, funny, powerful, ridiculous, holy, shameful, visionary.” – John (Fire) Lame Deer.
After these many years, I like the renewing interest in our Native People’s history, culture and traditional stories.
They are leading us back to forgotten ways. Both Natural and Spiritual. Those of us of Celtic Christian background are finding common beliefs with Indigenous peoples. As we explore our own origins, we’re discovering old ways back to our origins.
Indigenous People throughout the Americas are rediscovering and celebrating their traditions.
Including in North Dakota.
“The Native Tribes of North Dakota are an essential part of the state’s history.”
In fact, five tribal nations share the territory with North Dakota. They include approximately 30,000 tribal members. All with deep connections to the plains. The Native American tribes of North Dakota include the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara. And the Yanktonai, Sisseton, Wahpeton, Hunkpapa and other Dakota, Lakota and Nakota. These are commonly known as the Sioux tribes. And the Chippewa and Métis.
Here’s the great news. You can attend plenty of powwows every summer. They are as constant as the state’s sensational summer sunflowers. Those exciting powwows begin in July. With celebrations culminating in September at the United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck. Each powwow is unique. And yet each one offers visitors an opportunity to experience the joyful spirituality of Native American culture.
Native American Indian Highlights include:
Twin Buttes Powwow, Twin Buttes, ND – August 3 t0 6.
In the first place, Twin Buttes Powwow is a family-friendly celebration taking place near Lake Sakakawea. It includes drumming and singing. Intertribal and contest dancing, including the traditional Hoop Dance. As well as food and craft vendors. In addition, the War Bonnet Parade takes place Thursday, August 3.
Little Shell Celebration/Antelope Society, New Town, ND – August 10 to 13.
The Antelope Society organizes the annual Little Shell Celebration. It’s the largest event on the reservation and the second largest powwow in North Dakota.
United Tribes International Powwow, Bismarck, ND – September 8 to 10.
It’s called the Home of the Champions. And it’s one of the last large outdoor events on the northern Great Plains powwow circuit. Competitive dancers and singers highlight the celebration.
This United Tribes International Powwow is held annually in Bismarck. The 2024 event will be held in earlt September.
You can do more than attend a powwow. Here are some other options to enjoying Native American culture and history throughout the state.
NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORIC SITES.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – Mandan, ND.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located on the banks of the Missouri River. It’s just south of Mandan, Bismarck’s sister city. The park’s history goes back more than 300 years. And includes On‐A‐Slant Village. Which was once home to a Mandan Native American population in the mid‐1600’s, who lived in earth-lodges along the river.
Today, visitors can tour five reconstructed traditional earth-lodges. And take part in interpretive tours that offer an introduction to historic Mandan culture.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site – Stanton, ND.
Explorers Lewis and Clark traveled along the Missouri River in North Dakota. Many of their interactions with the Native Americans have become key parts of the history of the United States.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site was home to Sakakawea, before she joined the Lewis and Clark expedition. Today, the national historic site is home to a Visitor Center. Which features an educational film about the life of Buffalo Bird Woman, who also lived at the Knife River Indian Villages.
Outside the Visitor Center, take a stroll along the Village Trail. You will see the remains of the Awatixa Xi’e Village. Join Native flutist and storyteller Keith Bear on July 22 as he demonstrates the techniques of Native flute playing. The Visitor Center and Earth-lodge are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN DISPLAYS IN LOCAL MUSEUMS.
North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum – Bismarck, ND.
This Heritage museum offers visitors an interactive and informative overview of Native American history and culture. It has one of the nation’s largest collections of Plains Indian artifacts.
One display of note is the new On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers & the Land Exhibit…
Which explores the connections between cultural practices, regional landscapes and tribal oral narratives. Next, stop by the museum’s Native American Hall of Honor. This is a gallery of prominent North Dakota Native Americans who have gone above and beyond in representing their tribe and culture.
“On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers & the Land” helps visitors explore the connections between cultural practices, regional landscapes, and tribal stories. It’s based on interviews with 13 Native storytellers and knowledge keepers. And includes photographs, artifacts, and videos of elders sharing traditional stories.
“This exhibition is a tribute to the rich legacies and oral traditions that are held and shared by the storytellers,” said David Newell who is with the State Historical Society. “Visitors will find contemplative experiences and ways to explore deeply meaningful places and spaces across the region.”
MHA Interpretive Center – New Town, ND.
You can head to the newly opened MHA Interpretive Center in New Town to learn about the culture and history of the Three Affiliated Tribes. These are three distinct Tribal nations: the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara.
The net-zero emissions building houses an expansive collection of artifacts and art sacred to the MHA Nation. Essentially living history programs. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the scenic views from the center’s observation deck overlooking Lake Sakakawea.
For more about Native American experiences in North Dakota, visit NDtourism.com.
“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe
Did You Like This Native American Indian Post? Here’s a story with its roots in the Native American Oral Tradition…
If so, you’ve got to read my popular short story “THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY BEARS.” A Traditional Native American Animal Story & Folktale Retold.
Talking bears and human children adopted and raised by loving mama bears are common story themes in both Old and New World oral traditions. Even J R R Tolkien wrote about Beowulf and Bear’s Son Tales in European folklore.
“I loved this beautiful Animal Tale. Perfect!” Free to Read ==> CLICK HERE THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY BEARS
TOP PHOTO CREDIT: North Dakota Tourism.
HOOP DANCE PHOTO CREDIT: Karol M from Arizona, USA – Flickr.
STORY SOURCE: North Dakota Tourism Division, PR Newswire & Civilized Bears.
When is Native American Heritage month? Native American Heritage month is held every November.
NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN Historic Sites, Hoop Dance, Powwows & Stories
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