LearnHidatsa.com

Apologies and Updates

Dear Readers,

As the soul initiator and moderator of this website, I have not kept up on my responsibilites to Learnhidatsa.com and therefore apologize for not putting as much effort that is needed to maintain this site. It has always been my passion to learn and help maintain and preserve the languages and customs amoung the people of Fort Berthold.
     Currently I am getting back to working on profiles of teachers, elders, and anyone else within the Fort Berthold community who can provide some insight on the current affairs of whats going on in the community, and to help share their understanding of the ways and customs of Fort Berthold, how they have grown and changed or stayed the same.
     I am also taking the iniative to establish some cultural programs on Fort Berthold that I think will benefit a lot of people in their structure and purpose. I encourage anyone reading this who has any input and ideas that feel can be positively implemented to email me at ANY time.
     As for the website itself, I am working on a new structure and trying to organize everything the best way I can. I will provide updates frequently and inform readers of how progress is going with the implementation of the programs, and again if you feel you have anything to contribute feel free to email me. If anything becomes of it you will get the proper recognition you deserve.

Maacagiiraac,

Lisa Casarez

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.

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.

Origin of tobacco as told by the Crow and Hidatsa tribes

A long time ago the Indians roamed the West like the buffalo, one family scattered and returned by change. There were no separate tribes.

One of the Indians was a woman of powerful beauty. She gave birth to twin sons, but she did not know who their father was. The beautiful woman sang her sons to sleep with a heartbreaking lullaby, and everyone who heard it took pity on her.

Finally, the Earth agreed to claim the first son, and the stars took the second son as one of their own. From then on, the people called them Earthboy and Starboy.

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.

Dorreen Yellow Bird

Dorreen Yellow Bird profile - coming soon

COMING SOON

Lesson plans that are taught to K-12 will soon be available ....

Fluent Speaker Index

Fluent Speaker Profiles Index

This section highlights fluent speakers in all languages and their thoughts on language, culture, teaching and preservation.

Martha (Yellow Wolf) Birdbear, Hidatsa Language Instructor

Martha Birdbear is a fluent Hidatsa speaker and currently an elementary language instructor at the Mandaree Public School.

Mandan Tribe Historical Overview

According to oral tradition, the Mandan people originated from the earth as corn itself springs from the ground. This emergence metaphor is deeply rooted in Mandan cosmology and the ceremonial practices that shape Mandan social life. Corn has been the mainstay of Mandan agriculture for thousands of years and remains a vital symbol for creation, renewal, and survival.

As the keeper of seed, the Old Woman Who Never Dies recurs in the cycle of ceremonies that mark seasonal shifts in agricultural preparations, harvest, and hunting. The complex of stories and rites related to this cosmological figure directs Mandan ritual cycles by prescribing the appropriate action of cultural members.