LAND

The Mandan people, an Indigenous group of the Northern Plains, have a deep-rooted history intertwined with the lands along the Upper Missouri River. Their ancestral homeland stretches across present-day North Dakota, where they established semi-permanent earthlodge villages along fertile riverbanks. These lands not only sustained them with rich agricultural resources but also placed them at the heart of a vast trade network connecting various Plains and Woodland tribes.

For centuries, the Mandan thrived as skilled farmers, growing corn, beans, and squash—crops that became central to their culture and economy. The Missouri River was more than a source of sustenance; it was a spiritual and economic artery that shaped their way of life. Their villages, often fortified and strategically located, became hubs of trade, where goods, ideas, and traditions were exchanged with neighboring tribes such as the Hidatsa, Arikara, and Lakota.

However, the history of Mandan land is also marked by significant challenges. The arrival of European explorers and traders in the 18th century introduced new goods, but also devastating diseases, including smallpox, which drastically reduced the Mandan population. As pressures from U.S. expansion and governmental policies mounted in the 19th century, the Mandan, along with their Hidatsa and Arikara allies, were eventually forced onto a reservation—now known as the Fort Berthold Reservation.

Despite these challenges, the Mandan people maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands. Today, they continue to uphold their cultural traditions, preserve their language, and advocate for the protection of their historical sites and natural resources. Their history is not only a story of resilience but also a testament to the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land they have called home for centuries.