A New Village - Awatixa or Sakakawea Village

Sakakawea Village plan showing earthlodge depressions and trails

People of the Willows

Quick Facts

Location:

Knife River Indian Villages NHS near Stanton, ND

Significance:

Hidatsa Village

Within 10 years, the reconstituted Awatixa returned to their ancestral land to build a new village. It is known today as Awatixa or Sakakawea Village. They lived here from 1790-1834.  Historical records indicate from 40 to 60 lodges were here at different times. Currently there are 31 visible depressions.  

The Sakakawea village archeology site was named after Sacagawea Charbonneau who joined the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific Ocean as a guide and interpreter. Her and her husband Toussaint Charbonneau lived in this village before and after their adventure on the Corps of Discovery. Toussaint Charbonneau lived here most of his life.