The Hidatsa Tribe – North Dakota Pioneers
The Hidatsa people, a Siouan-speaking tribe, have etched their story into the landscape of North Dakota, primarily near the confluence of the Knife and Missouri Rivers. Their history is interwoven with the land, their traditions, and their relationships with neighboring tribes. The Hidatsa Tribe stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation in the face of change.
The Hidatsa’s narrative is not one of isolation, but rather of interaction and shared history. Their linguistic roots run deep, closely related to the Crow, with whom they share a common ancestry. Oral tradition recounts a time when the two tribes were united, before a dispute over the spoils of the hunt led to their separation. The Crow moved westward, while the Hidatsa Tribe remained in the Missouri River region.
The name "Hidatsa" itself carries a story. While its translation as "willows" is debated, it is believed to have originated as the name of a prominent village along the Knife River. Following the devastating smallpox epidemic of 1837, which decimated many Plains tribes, the survivors of several Hidatsa villages consolidated, and the name "Hidatsa" became synonymous with the entire tribe.
Different tribes knew the Hidatsa by different names, each reflecting a unique aspect of their culture or way of life. The Mandan called them "Minitari," meaning "they crossed the water," a reference to their traditional migration from the east across the Missouri River. The Sioux knew them as "Hewaktokto," a term interpreted as either "dwellers on a ridge" or, more likely, "spreading tipis" or "tipis in a row," a name also used by the Cheyenne and Arapaho. The Crow referred to them as "Amashi," meaning "earth lodges," a nod to their distinctive dwellings. At the turn of the 20th century, they were also known as Gros Ventre, a name they shared with the Atsina, an Arapaho subtribe.
The Hidatsa’s origins, according to their own traditions, lie near a lake northeast of their later settlements, identified by some as Mini-Wakan, or Devils Lake, in North Dakota. In this region, they built circular earth-covered log houses, similar to those of the Mandan, Arikara, and other Missouri River tribes. These sturdy structures served as permanent homes, while skin tipis were used during hunting expeditions. Faced with repeated attacks from the Sioux, they migrated southwest, forging an alliance with the Mandan, who resided on the west side of the Missouri River, near the mouth of the Heart River. Around 1765, the Hidatsa, Mandan, and Arikara formed a close-knit community in this area. From the Mandan, the Hidatsa Tribe acquired knowledge and skills in agriculture, which significantly impacted their lifestyle and sustenance.
Prior to 1796, the Hidatsa and Mandan relocated further up the river, settling near the Knife River. When Lewis and Clark arrived in 1804, they found the Hidatsa living in three villages along the Knife River, while the Mandan occupied two villages a few miles downstream on the Missouri River. The largest Hidatsa village, named Hidatsa, was located on the north bank of the Knife River. The other two, Amatiha and Amahami (or Mahaha), were situated on the south side. The latter was inhabited by the Amahami (referred to as Ahnahaway by Lewis and Clark), who were once a distinct but closely related tribe. Due to continuous Sioux raids, the Amahami population dwindled, forcing them to merge with the Hidatsa. Over time, they were completely absorbed into the Hidatsa community.
Collectively, the three villages boasted a population of approximately 600 warriors and a total of 2,100 members. The Amahami contributed around 50 warriors to this number. The village locations remained unchanged until the devastating smallpox epidemic of 1837. This epidemic decimated the Indian population along the upper Missouri River, compelling the survivors of the three villages to consolidate into a single settlement.
In 1845, the Hidatsa and the remaining Mandan moved further up the river, establishing a new village near Fort Berthold, a trading post on the north bank of the Missouri River. This move was driven by a need for greater security and access to trade goods.
The Arikara joined them in 1862, and the three tribes established a reservation on the northeast side of the Missouri River, encompassing the village site. This marked a new chapter in their history, as they adapted to reservation life while striving to preserve their cultural heritage. By 1905, the Hidatsa Tribe was officially reported to number only 471 individuals, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of disease and displacement.
Early observers described the Hidatsa as possessing superior intellectual and physical qualities compared to their neighboring tribes, although this distinction became less pronounced in later years. In terms of domestic life, religious beliefs and practices, house construction, agricultural techniques, the use of skin boats, and general artistic skills, they shared many similarities with the Mandan, with whom they maintained close ties.
The Hidatsa’s most significant ceremony was the Sun Dance, known as Da-hpi-ke, which involved various forms of self-sacrifice and endurance. Their warriors were organized into military societies, a common feature among Plains tribes. These societies played a vital role in maintaining order, defending the community, and celebrating bravery and achievement.
Today, the Hidatsa are part of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes, with their headquarters located in New Town, North Dakota. They continue to work towards preserving their language, culture, and traditions, ensuring that the legacy of the Hidatsa Tribe endures for generations to come. The story of the Hidatsa Tribe is a powerful reminder of the challenges and triumphs of Native American people in the face of adversity.