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We encourage you to help build this much needed resource for those who want to learn the Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan languages. If you can help in any way, please Contact Lisa Casarez, the head of this project. | | | Survey | |
| Last 5 Articles | |
| Language | |
| 3 Affiliated Tribes: | |
| Reservation | |
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LEARN THE HIDATSA, ARIKARA AND MANDAN LANGUAGES
HONORING THE PAST
ENVISIONING THE FUTURE
We believe that languages have a spirit all their own.
The Fort Berthold Reservation is home to the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes.
Language scholars estimate that before the time of Columbus, over 300 languages were spoken in North America. Since then, that number has dropped to about 175. One estimate predicts the number will dwindle to less than 20 by the year 2050.
The Hidatsa are a matrilineal people, with descent determined through the maternal line. As the early Mandan and Hidatsa heavily intermarried, children were taught to speak the language of their mother, but understood the dialect of either tribe.
However, when children were sent to government boarding schools, they were severely punished for speaking our native language, and over time it was nearly forgotten. Today, only about 100 to 150 still speak the language fluently.
Educators on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota are now hoping to revive the Hidatsa language. They are using what is called the Total Physical Response program to teach younger members the Hidatsa language.
It is our vision for the future to once again hear whole generations of our people fluently speaking our native language. For as long as people speak the language, our people and our traditions will survive and thrive.
Come, learn the Hidatsa language with us.
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| Revival of Black Mouth Society shows value of culture |
 AUTHOR: Jodi Rave, Billings Gazette
Gerald "Tex" Fox held a microphone in his hand as he introduced members of the Hidatsa Black Mouth Society.
It had been more than a half-century since anyone had seen a member of this once revered and prestigious society. But in recent months, Mandaree community members decided to revive the society that had all but faded into history books.
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Posted by learnhidatsa on Sunday, August 20 @ 19:48:30 PDT (1190 reads)
(Read More... | 5036 bytes more | 5815 comments | Score: 0)
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| General Culture/Hist: Three Affiliated Tribes review new constitution |
 The Three Affiliated Tribes is considering a new constitution to replace one written by the federal government 70 years ago.
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Posted by learnhidatsa on Sunday, April 16 @ 12:41:04 PDT (0 reads)
(Read More... | 1345 bytes more | General Culture/Hist | Score: 4)
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| Events-> Other: In the footsteps of Lewis and Clark |
Author: Jodi Rave Lee, Lincoln Star Journal
"Down by the river, where the water flows cold and clear, I'll whisper sweet words to you, honey, words you want to hear." -Hidatsa courting song
KNIFE RIVER INDIAN VILLAGES, N.D. - The renowned Mandan-Hidatsa flute player shared his people's songs and stories as listeners huddled around a glowing fire in the earth-covered lodge.
"A young lady might hear a song similar to this along the river," explained Keith Bear, as he began to play the flute, pausing midway to sing the words from a courtship song before ending the soulful melody with one last breath.
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Posted by learnhidatsa on Sunday, February 26 @ 15:36:01 PST (929 reads)
(Read More... | 5834 bytes more | Events-> Other | Score: 5)
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| Fluent Speaker Index |
 Fluent Speaker Profiles Index
This section highlights fluent speakers in all languages and their thoughts on language, culture, teaching and preservation.
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Posted by learnhidatsa on Friday, January 20 @ 18:27:29 PST (18292 reads)
(Read More... | 3271 bytes more | 6420 comments | Score: 3)
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| Instructors ->B: Martha (Yellow Wolf) Birdbear, Hidatsa Language Instructor |
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Martha Birdbear is a fluent Hidatsa speaker and currently an elementary language instructor at the Mandaree Public School.
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Posted by learnhidatsa on Friday, January 20 @ 18:14:00 PST (1075 reads)
(Read More... | 7223 bytes more | 6041 comments | Instructors ->B | Score: 5)
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