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Heritage Outbound Winter Adventure

Presented by State Historical Society of North Dakota at Knife River Indian Village

February 13, 2010

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Come experience and explore winter life at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (NHS). The day-long winter adventure begins Saturday, February 13 at 11 a.m. Mountain Time (12 noon Central Time), at the Knife River Indian Villages NHS near Stanton, North Dakota.

Meet your fellow adventurers over lunch before Amy Mossett guides you through making a leather pouch and clay activities using traditional Mandan/Hidatsa tools and methods. Next, spend the afternoon snowshoeing the trails through the Hidatsa villages with Knife River Indian Villages NHS Superintendent Brian McCutchen and Chief of Interpretation Maureen McGee-Ballinger, State Historical Society of North Dakota Research Archaeologist Timothy Reed, and North Dakota Geological Survey State Paleontologist John Hoganson, and learn about Hidatsa village life and the Knife and Missouri Rivers.

You can also check out your skills throwing atlatls and playing with ice gliders. Warm up with hot chocolate and see objects, used by the Hidatsa, in the interpretive center exhibits and receive a special tour in collections storage. Learn more about the natural history of the area with hands-on opportunities with pelts and skeletons of animal that once thrived on the North Dakota prairie before you experience an evening in the earthlodge. We will gather around a huge roaring fire in the earthlodge, where a traditional buffalo feast is served for your enjoyment. An unforgettable evening continues with Amy Mossett and Matt Schanandore, assistant executive director of the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation. Mossett, a nationally recognized Sakakawea scholar and member of the Three Affiliated Tribes, will present “Women of the Villages- Lifeways Along the Knife River.” Schanandore ends the day with American Indian flute music and Mandan/Hidatsa stories taught to him by his grandmother.

The region of the Knife River Indian Villages, located at the confluence of the Knife and Missouri Rivers, was for centuries the center of agricultural settlement and trade. Our adventure will visit Awaitixa Xi=e, or Lower Hidatsa Village, and Awatixa also known as, Sakakawea Village. For more information about this site, visit www.nps.gov/knri.

This outdoor program requires moderate physical activity and is recommended for ages 12 years and older. Participants are responsible for their own warm clothing. A memorable and safe experience for all participants is our goal. Warm drinks and indoor alternatives will be available throughout the day.

Registration is $60 per person. The fee includes two hearty meals, use of snowshoes, all activity supplies, and presentations. To register, call the State Historical Society of North Dakota at (701) 328-2724. Payment in full is required at the time of registration. No refunds are available unless the event is cancelled due to weather. The registration deadline is Monday, February 8, 2010, and is limited to 21 people, on a first come, first served basis.

The Winter Adventure Heritage Outbound program is sponsored by the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, the Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation, the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the North Dakota Geological Survey.