Fort Union Trading Post NHS on the North Dakota and Montana border hosted its first of a three cultural program series on June 13 & 14. Students from Edwin Loe Elementary school in New Town North Dakota participated in the language and cultural program by introducing park visitors to the Hidatsa culture.
The fort received many compliments on the programs given by the students. Visitors from North Dakota, throughout the United States and even Europe listened to the programs offered. “The students spoke about Hidatsa culture and actively used the Hidatsa language during these programs,” said Loren Yellow Bird, the park ranger who heads the program. “We received many compliments and heard visitors say they were proud that these young people where maintaining these traditions.”
Programs presented by the students consisted of teaching Hidatsa clanship, games and childhood roles, time of seasons and tribal values. Also there were hand game sessions, shinny ball and history of the tribe throughout the weekend.
Fort Union Trading Post had contact with nine northern plains tribes historically. The groups participating in this years’ program are descendents of those who once traded at Fort Union.
Fort Union also still has the Buffalo effigy exhibit produced by Poplar middle school students from Poplar Montana, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation on display. The next language and culture program will be presented by students from the community in White Shield North Dakota featuring Arikara culture.
Hours open are from 8:00am to 8:00pm daily CDT at Fort Union. Fort Union Trading Post is located 24 miles north of Sidney, Montana and 25 miles southwest of Williston, North Dakota, via highway 1804. While here also visit the reconstructed fort, trade room and bourgeois house.
For more information on Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site contact the park at 701-572-9083.
lizz says ...
On Tuesday, Sep 22 at 7:45 PM
hi id like to now more about hidatsa
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