West Segment News For April 2023
Interpretive Center History of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara
"History of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara with keynote speakers Cory Spotted Bear (Twin Buttes Councilman), Calvin Grinnell (Tribal Historian), and Austin Gillette (MHA Elder & Veteran). This event was held at the MHA Interpretive Center, the cultural hub of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people; a place to celebrate who we are, acknowledge our Ancestors, and revitalize the traditions, culture, and knowledge. The speakers shared knowledge they carried from the oral histories they have heard from their elders, sharing them with all in attendance of the presentation. They also covered important times in history of the three tribes, how it shaped and impacted the three affiliated tribes today, as well as acknowledging how we are carrying on our traditions and lifeways in present day. The presentation was recorded, where it is to be stored in the Archives of the MHA Interpretive Center for generations to come to listen to. With this knowledge that was shared, will we always be able to find our way back to ourselves, finding strength in oneself as Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people."
Mandaree Extravaganza 2023
The TAT Fitness and Recreation Program would like to thank who participated in this year's Extravaganza! It was definitely a lot of fun! This event was to help kick off summer after a long school year! Thank you to Councilwoman Sherry Turner Lone Fight and West Segment Staff as well as RJ Morin Jr. and Jurassic Jams for helping to make this event possible for all students, there were 75 participants.
Mother's Day Walk/Run
On behalf of the TAT Fitness and Recreation Program, we would like to thank all of our Mothers of the MHA Nation for participating in our Mother's Day Event. This Event was for you to let you know that all of your hard work as a Mother does not go unnoticed, you are all appreciated! We hope you all enjoyed this event.
Happy Mother's Day from the TAT-Fitness and Recreation Program!
Here are the number of participants for each Segment. Mandaree 61, White Shield 61, Twin Buttes 53, Four Bears 26, North Segment 32 and Parshall 28. We are looking forward to Honoring our MHA Nation Fathers.
Images by Tahia Mandan
Twin Buttes Times Spring 2023
Four Bears Powwow 2023
This year’s powwow was a great success! The 2023 Powwow committee was Flag Bearer Bruce Freeman, President Dana Lone Bear, Vice President Pamela Mandan Blagg, Secretary Shooter Stewart, Treasurer Joren Chase, Head Man Preston “Bucky” Johnson, Head Woman DeAnn Johnson, Princess Missouri Yellow, Jr. Princess Hadley Smith, Announcers Charlie Moran and Lawrence Baker, Arena Directors Ashleigh Heavy Gun, Marilyn DeYoung, Tanner Lone Bear Smith, BJ Rainbow, Zane Baker, and Donovan Abbey, Color Guard Myron B Johnson Nathan Good Iron Post 271, VFW 9061, Young Hawk Bear Legion 253, Post Auxiliaries! Flags that were flown during the weekend starting on Friday with Eric “Dion” Smith Sr. - USMC, Dennis Conklin Sr. – Army, Alfred Morsette Jr. – Army, Saturday: Sharon Young Wolf – Army, Gertrude Sillitti – Army, Michael Bell – Navy, Sunday: Leland Hall Sr. – Navy, William Bell – Army, Leonard Conklin Sr. – Army. Host Drums for the Weekend were Mandaree, Oakdale, Little Shell, Young Bear. Many Specials took place during the 2023 Powwow with Tanner Lone Bear Smith – Men’s Traditional, Dana Lone Bear – Men’s Grass, Men’s Chicken, Shooter Stewart – Cowboy Special in memory of his Papa, Malcolm Bruce Sr., Missouri Yellow – Junior/Teen Girls Fancy, Hadley Smith – Tiny Tots Special, DeAnn Johnson – Women’s Original Style Jingle, Preston “Bucky” Johnson – Men’s Fancy, Caroline “Diz” High Elk – Ivy Wasaka Tiny Tot Special, Office of MHA Chairman Fox – Tiny Tots Giveaway Chairman Fox also sponsored a Feed that took place Saturday! The Drums were rocking this weekend! Coming in 1st place with 1688 Pts was Iron Swing, 2nd place with 1644 Pts was Ft. Peck Sioux, 3rd place with 1616 Pts. was Midnite Express, 4th place with 1610 Pts. was The Boyz, 5th place with 1599 Pts. was Black Otter! Congratulations to the winners in the singing and dancing contests as well as specials! The Committee would like to give a Big Thank You to everyone who had a helping hand in the 2023 Powwow and making it the great turnout it was! The ones who prayed for our powwow Valerian Three Irons, Gloria Fast Dog, and Harriett Good Iron. Picking up Feathers: Marvin Driver and Scott Satermo. To everyone showing up to bingos, food sales, fundraisers, purchasing raffle tickets, etc.! It couldn’t have been done without you all! A Big Thank You to our sponsors/monetary donations MHA Nation, 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, 4 Bears Segment Committee Board, Hazel Heart, Eunice Lone Bear, Jerome Dancing Bull Makes Sense, Capital RV, Red Rock Motors, Rural Water, West Segment, North Segment, Northeast Segment, Chairman Fox Office, Jodi Hale, Bertrille Fox, and Tione Tveter, and many more! In case we have missed anyone it wasn’t our intention to leave anyone out! but we Thank You. The Committee would also like to Thank the veterans, dancers, singers, visitors, arena directors, head dancers, communities, families, and friends!
Photos taken by Nevaeh “Nawns” Quarry
White Shield Star Newsletter May 2023
NHSC June/July 2023 campus updates
Wildfire Smoke PSA for FBIR
Missing Murdered & Exploited Indigenous People Program Logo Design Competition Winner!
MMEIP Program Logo Design Competition Winner!
Rusty Gillette, “Hooves” is Arikara and Hidatsa from the MHA Nation of North Dakota. Rusty currently resides in Maskwacis, Alberta with his wife, Leah Omeasoo-Gillette. He is the son of Vince and Connie Gillette and the grandson of Russell Gillette and the late Doris Hoffman (Whitman).
Rusty earned his Bachelor's Degree in Communications with a Concentration in Public Relations from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.
Rusty has three children, Vance Romero (30), Coral (24) and George (19). He was raised as a grass dancer in the powwow circle and has raised his children with these same values.
Rusty is currently a graphic artist with over 25 years of experience. Rusty’s passion has been working with the people of Fort Berthold. “My culture is my inspiration. And each job takes on a special sense of pride when it is your own people. I try to tell a story in each job.”
“I have had the opportunity to travel the world and no matter where I am or what I am doing, it’s my honor for people to know I am MHA.”
Missing Murdered & Exploited Indigenous People Program Logo Design Competition (EXTENDED)
National Vietnam Veterans Day in Hawaii
MHA Nation took 117 people to the National Vietnam Veterans Day in Hawaii. Hawaii was a stopping point for Veterans on their way to Vietnam. Many of our Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Nephews, Nieces and Grandparents, served in Vietnam. Austin Gillette, Staff Sergeant, USMC, Vietnam Veteran, was a guest speaker at the Opening Ceremonies. MHA Veterans, VFW Post 9061, Younghawk/Bear American Legion Post 253 and Myron B. Johnson/Nathan Good Iron American Legion Post 271 brought in the Colors as Clark Creek Singers, lead by Shylo Baker, sang the Flag song. After the Opening Ceremony was completed, we then marched in the Mile long Parade. Our group also included the VFW 9061 Auxiliary, Younghawk/Bear American Legion Post 253 Auxiliary, Myron B. Johnson/Nathan Good Iron American Legion Post 271 Auxiliary and Little Shell Unit 300. MHA. Nation Tribal Business Council payed for All travel, all involved are very grateful for the opportunity to represent our nation, our Veterans and their families.
We did get invited to attend the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of World War II, held in Normandy France. MHA Posts and Auxiliary are in the planning stages of attending. MHA Nation is very proud of our relatives who served in many different Wars. We are very humbled to walk on these sacred grounds that our ancestors walked, fought and had dreams of returning home.
All Photos were taken by Malvina Baker
Tskaatit Lodge Official Grand Opening
☕️OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING TODAY!☕️
Swing by the Tskaatit Lodge and enjoy coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, baked goods & more!✨ (located in the new Ralph Wells Community Center)
Pictured below, SDA members Fred Everett, employees, Chairman Mark Fox, East Segment Councilman Fred Fox, member Danile Henry, employees.
