MHA Nation

Hello. My name is Zane Baker, the Collections Manager here at the MHA Interpretive Center. Our facility serves as a cultural epicenter dedicated to education, preservation, and the retention and revitalization of language, culture, and historical perspectives of the Upper-Missouri Agricultural Nation. The Interpretive Center strives to be a premier facility which exhibits living histories that represent the community and traditional values of the MHA peoples past, present, and future.

The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, also known as the MHA Nation or the Three

Affiliated Tribes, is a federally recognized tribe located in North Dakota; however, the MHA Nation

is made up of three distinct tribes. Each has their own unique history and culture which plays a significant role in the lives of the people. It shapes their beliefs, values, traditions, and way of life.

The importance of culture to the MHA Nation cannot be overstated. For the MHA people, culture is a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is the foundation upon which we build our identity as a people, and it shapes aspects of daily life from the food we eat to the language we speak.

One of the most important aspects of MHA culture is the connection to the land. The MHA people have lived in the North Dakota region for thousands of years. Culture is deeply rooted in the natural environment. The tribes have a profound understanding of the local ecosystem and the resources it provides. Also, each tribe within the MHA Nation has developed unique ways of living in harmony with the land. This connection to the land is reflected in spiritual beliefs which emphasize the importance of respecting and caring for the natural world.

Language is another critical component of MHA culture. Each MHA tribe has their own language. Each tribe has stories that coincide with unique words that describe how they understand the world around them. Language is a vital part of cultural heritage. It is an essential tool for passing on traditional knowledge and beliefs from one generation to the next. The MHA Nation places a high value on

language preservation and revitalization efforts, recognizing that the loss of language can lead to the erosion of cultural identity.

Culture includes spirituality and is also integral part of the MHA Nation. Again, each tribe in MHA has

their own traditional religious practices which include ceremonies, dances, and songs that have been passed down over centuries. These practices are deeply rooted in the worldview of the MHA People and are used to connect with the spiritual world, honor ancestors, and to seek guidance and wisdom.

Finally, family and community are central to MHA culture. The MHA People have a strong sense of community, and they place a high value on kinship, clanship, and families. Everyone always had a place at the table, all were welcome, and families were helped when in need. Traditional gender roles and social hierarchies play an important role in MHA culture.  They are reflected in the social organization of the tribe.

In conclusion, their way of life put’s each distinct tribal culture in motion. Showing off is of immense

importance to the MHA Nation. It is the foundation upon which their identity and way of life are built. From their connection to the land and language to their traditional religious practices and strong sense of community, culture shapes every aspect of MHA life. As the MHA Nation works to preserve and revitalize our culture, they are ensuring that their unique heritage will be passed down to future generations, continuing to shape lives and identity for centuries to come.