THREE AFFILIATED TRIBES - THE MANDAN, HIDATSA, AND SAHNISH
Language
The Mandan (Nuu’etaa), Hidatsa (Hiráaca), and Arikara (Sahnish) languages are the heart of our culture and identity. Explore classes, daily words, dictionaries, books, recordings, and learning resources to help preserve and strengthen our languages for future generations.
Carry Forward Our Tribal Language
The MHA Nation website is dedicated to keep tribal members informed, connected, and engaged with important community resources. One of our goals is to help our Culture and Language department in preserving and strengthening the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara languages for future generations.
Through the Culture & Language Department, ongoing efforts are being made to create new learning resources, train fluent speakers in modern teaching methods, and develop technology that supports learners at every stage of their language journey.
Need help pronunciation of Nuu'taa Words?
Available Classes
For the most current class dates, times, locations, and online options, please visit the Culture & Language Department Facebook page.
Questions or classroom support? Culture & Language Dept • (701) 627-4113
Missed an Arikara class?
Thank you! – wetAxkoosšteéRAt!
Recognizing Our Community’s Language Work
We give heartfelt thanks to the many elders, teachers, and community members who have dedicated their time and knowledge to preserving Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. From creating textbooks and recordings to leading classes and building new projects, your work keeps our languages strong for our next generations to come.
We especially want to recognize The MHA Language Project (2015-2017), Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, & Culture & Language Department for their leadership and commitment. Your efforts shine as an inspiration and reminder of the strength of our people.
Your commitment ensures that future generations will continue to learn, speak, and celebrate who we are as Three Affiliated Tribes.
Programs Making a Difference
These projects reflect the heart of our community. Through classes, resources, and creative efforts, they have strengthened the teaching and preservation of Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, leaving a lasting impact for our future speakers.
Learning Resources
Textbooks and Handouts that are used at NHSC, MHA Public Schools, and MHA Culture & Language: Language Classes. Created by the MHA Language Project, MHA Education Department, & MHA Culture & Language Department in 2017.
Check out the History Webpage for other resources and more!
Language Resource Library
Browse downloadable learning books, children’s books, research documents, posters, and community culture resources for Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara languages.
This list will continue to grow as additional language materials are added.
Additional Websites
Below is a list of MHA Nation language-related websites and a nonprofit organization working to preserve the Hidatsa language. This page will continue to grow with additional resources.
MHA Language Sites
MHA language sites created and maintained by the Culture & Language departments. Beware they are in the process of updating these sites and applications.