Mandan: Nűeta róota! (Speak Mandan) Hidatsa: Hiráaca íire! (Speak Hidatsa) Arikara: šuxwaáko' saNIšíni’! (Speak Arikara)

THREE AFFILIATED TRIBES - THE MANDAN, HIDATSA, AND SAHNISH

Language

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.

Community Efforts

Language preservation is a community effort. By working together, we can build resources that support learners, encourage new speakers, and keep our languages alive for generations to come. Every learner, teacher, and supporter plays an important role in carrying our languages forward.

Culture & Language Department

Stay updated on classes, handouts, and events hosted by our Culture & Language Department! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Learn about upcoming classes, access helpful handouts, and join us for exciting events. Don’t miss out!

Available Classes

These classes are hosted and available through the Culture & Language Department as they have in-person meet-ups with the Zoom option!

Questions or classroom support? Culture & Language Dept • (701) 627-4018 

Mandan

Classes In-Person & on Zoom
Every Wednesday | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Hidatsa

Classes In-Person Only
Every Monday | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Arikara

Classes Available In-Person & on Zoom
Every Tuesday | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Missed an Arikara class?

Explore past recordings and handouts to learn, review events, and stay connected. Click the button to get started!

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.

Maagarishda Hidatsa II-IRE
(Children's Hidatsa Learning Nest) An independent community business supporting our Language Program for children, with elders volunteering and sharing their gifts.
MHA Language Project
Provided resources, articles and the Hidasta and Arikara apps. Started in 2015-2017.
Hiráaca Maa Aru Cáawi
Hiráaca Language Revitalization and Reclamation. Hiráaca Maa Aru Cáawi'sh aru hahgu'c.

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 & Culture Digital Library

Resources for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations.
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 created and maintained by the Culture & Language departments. Beware they are in the process of updating these sites and applications.

Hiráaca Maa Aru Cáawi is a non-profit dedicated to saving the Hidatsa language, spoken by Native Americans in North Dakota. They offer classes and materials to help people learn the language. Their goal is to create a program that teaches adults to speak Hidatsa fluently. This can lead to jobs teaching the language or sharing culture. It’s a big step in preserving Hidatsa heritage for future generations.