Earthlodge Traditions

<< All Events Start: Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 10:00 am
End: Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 08:30 pm Categories:
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Celebrate 450 Years of the On-A-Slant Village!
 
This year marks the 450th anniversary of the founding of On-A-Slant Village. To celebrate this milestone, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park invites you to explore the rich history and culture of the Mandan (Nu’Eta) people through numerous, unique hands-on activities!
 
Earthlodge Traditions will be an all-day event running from 10 am to 8:30 pm on Saturday, August 16. The event will take place on the grounds of the On-A-Slant Village site and within several of the reconstructed earthlodges. This special event is filled with engaging family-friendly activities, cultural demonstrations, and insightful presentations that will foster a deep connection to the history and heritage of this remarkable village and its people.
 
Event Activities Will Include:
• Hands-on activities for kids & families
• Live demonstrations of traditional skills
• Special talks by park staff & cultural experts
• Free Tours of the Living Lodge at On-A-Slant Village
• Music, storytelling, and more!
 

Schedule of Events

10:30 – 11:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
Austin Glant, Park Lead Interpreter, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

11:00 – 11:45 AM – Plains Indian Sign Language
Dr. Lanny Real Bird

12:00 – 12:45 PM – The Life of Sheheke-shote
Tracy Potter

1:00 – 1:45 PM – The Role of Women in Mandan Culture
Amy Mossett

2:00 – 2:45 PM – Pottery Demonstration
Wade Haakenson, USDA

3:00 – 3:45 PM – Mandan Tattoos
Zeb Demaray, MHA Interpretive Center

4:00 – 4:45 PM – Three-Sisters Gardening
Austin Glant, Park Lead Interpreter, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

7:00 – 8:30 PM – Mandan Flute Music & Storytelling
Matt Schanandore

 

Ongoing Activities

Archery – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM
Del Gray, Park Interpreter, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Native American Games – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Madison Milbrath, ND Historical Society

Living Lodge Tours – 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Interpretive Staff

Fur Trade & the Mandan – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Nicholas Pixler, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

How to Build an Earthlodge – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Denver Spotted Bear, MHA Language & Culture Department

Meet & Greet Event Partners – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Various Presenters & Exhibitors
 

Featured Film Showtimes
“People of the Upper Missouri: The Mandans”
11:00 AM | 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM
Location: Park Visitor Center

 

The event is FREE with an ND State Parks Annual Pass, or $7 vehicle registration at the entrance to the park. Don't have an ND State Parks Annual Pass, you can make that purchase online. For more information about the event call 701-667-6340.

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