50th Anniversary

 

 

KNRI front of the visitor center at sunrise

NPS | Emilee Franklin

Flowing from the Past

On October 26, 1974, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic site was designated by Congress as a public park to commemorate the culture and history the MHA Nation as well as other Northern Plains tribes. The purpose of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is to preserve, protect, and interpret archaeological and natural resources as they relate to cultural and agricultural lifestyles of Northern Great Plains Indian peoples, and to conduct research to further understand how these lifestyles have changed over time.

Flowing to the Future

Looking ahead at our next 50 years, we hope to continue and expand the National Park Service mission to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources of the National Park Service for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Whether you are a community member, a visitor, or a virtual explorer, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site hopes you will experience and connect with a park that has helped preserve and tell the stories of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people not only from the past but continue to tell the stories of them today and for generations in the future.

 

 

Schedule of Events for 50th Anniversary

 

We're Turning 50!

This year, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is turning 50! Join us for our 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 17th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

You are invited to experience music, dancing, storytelling, and so much more from the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. This is a free and family friendly event. We hope you can join us in celebrating an amazing 50 years at an important historical site!

There are a variety of events taking place at of our site. Check out the official schedule below.

Main Stage Schedule

Main Stage Schedule:
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. History of Park and Place with Gerard Baker
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Native American Sign Language Program with Lanny Real Bird
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Flute Music by Keith Bear
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Storytelling by Mike Barthelemy
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. MHA Language Program with: Wind Spirit Spotted Bear, Amber Gwin, and Loren Yellow Bird
 

Education Tent Schedule

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wet Plate Photography Demonstration by Shane Balkowitsch
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sacagawea's Leather Lodge by Loren Yellow Bird (located near the Earthlodge)

Dance Arena Schedule

The MHA Tourism dance group will be showcasing their talents from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Dance Arena.

Other Happenings

There is a tent called Community Corner which will feature various local, state, federal, and tribal non-profit organizations. Come learn more about different groups in the community! Some will have games or activities for kids.

Kimi's Food Truck will be on site with food available to purchase day of!

 

Knife River Indian Villages 50th Anniverary Press Release

For more information check out: Celebrating 50 Years of Knife River Indian Villages NHS - Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

50 Years of Photos

We would love for you to share your stories/experiences with Knife River for our 50th! Please e-mail us or share your story on Facebook or Instagram with #KNRI50.