A Multicultural Sacred Space: Reconnecting the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Central Dakota Plains

Abstract

The recent focus throughout much of the central and northwest regions of the United States has been to draw the attention of tourists, travelers, and visitors to the Lewis and Clark Trail. The Bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark expedition from 1804-1806 has drawn national recognition and created countless opportunities for travel, exploration and education. Much like other states in the region North Dakota capitalized on the opportunity by promoting the amenities brought to it through the Corps of Discovery's journey across the state. However; the Native American people existed throughout the region long before Lewis and Clark explored the area. This project is an opportunity to highlight the culture, heritage, and way of life of the Native people in order to preserve their place in the history of America. The multicultural sacred space found as the focus of this project will be an opportunity to educate, preserve, and interpret the culture of the Native American people that settled in the central Dakota plains nearly 600 years ago.