FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Claudia Berg
December 11, 2007
(701) 328-2724

SLOTS AVAILABLE FOR HERITAGE OUTBOUND
WINTER ADVENTURE TRIP SET FOR FEBRUARY 16, 2008

BISMARCK –  Come experience and explore winter life at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (NHS).  The day-long winter adventure begins at Saturday, February 16 at 11 a.m. Mountain Time at the Knife River Indian Villages NHS near Stanton, North Dakota. 

Meet your fellow adventurers over lunch before trying your hand at hide painting.  Taught in the Hidatsa/Mandan tradition, National Park Ranger Cassi Rensch will lead the way for everyone to try this activity.  Next, spend the afternoon snowshoeing the trails through the Hidatsa villages with National Park Service historian Terry O’Halloran, State Historical Society of North Dakota archaeologist Timothy Reed, and North Dakota Geological Survey geologist John Hoganson and learn about Hidatsa village life and the Knife and Missouri Rivers.  You can also check out your skills throwing atlatls and playing with ice gliders.  Warm up with hot chocolate and see objects, once used by the Hidatsa, in the interpretive center exhibits before you experience an evening in the earthlodge.  We will gather around a huge roaring fire in the earthlodge, where a traditional buffalo feast, prepared by Marilyn Hudson, is served for your enjoyment.  An unforgettable evening continues with traditional stories about Chief Four Bears told by his great-great-great-great grandson, Lyle Gwin.  Calvin Grinnell provides insights to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Sanish tribal history and culture, and Matt Schanandore presents American Indian flute music and stories taught to him by his grandmother.

The region of the Knife River Indian Villages, located just north of the confluence of the Knife and Missouri Rivers, was for centuries, the center of agricultural settlement and trade.  Our adventure will visit Awaitixa Xi’e or Lower Hidatsa Village and Awatixa also known as Sakakawea Village.  For more information about this site visit www.nps.gov/knri. 

This outdoor program requires moderate physical activity and is recommended for ages twelve and older.  Participants are responsible for their own warm clothing.  A memorable and safe experience for all participants is our goal.  Warm drinks and indoor alternatives will be available throughout the day.

Registration is $25 per person.  The fee includes two meals, use of snow shoes, all activity supplies and presentations.  To register call the State Historical Society of North Dakota at (701) 328-2724.  Payment in full is required at time of registration.  No refunds are available unless the event is cancelled due to weather.  The registration deadline is February 1, 2008, and is limited to 25 people, on a first come, first served basis. 

Give someone a one-of-a-kind gift for the Holidays.  Gift certificates are available for this event.

The Winter Adventure Heritage Outbound program is sponsored by Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation, State Historical Society of North Dakota, and the North Dakota Geological Survey. 

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