#1 Where did the group live?, What kind of environment was associated with the habitat?

The Mandans lived in the plains area of North Dakota, Particularly in the Big Bend region of the Missouri River. Originally form the Ohio River area; they are believed to be the first tribe to migrate to N. Dakota in the 1400's. Their environment consisted of long and extremely harsh and unfavorably cold winters with great expansions of land, ultimately falling victim to sharp and torrent winds.

Main forms of vegetation included Cottonwood, Ash and Poplar trees and the occasional Elm.

#2 What population sizes are associated with the group throughout time (pre-Columbian, Colombian, and post-Colombian)?

Their population is estimated to consist of over 9,000 individuals prior to the introduction of white settlers (1750's). Although the settlers introduced the people to exotic disease and habits and, in turn, small pox devastated their numbers to a mere 1250 individuals. Following their relations to Lewis and Clark, the Mandans encountered the neighboring Sioux tribe and a war ensued, leaving their population size at less than 250 individuals.

Today, the Mandan tribe consists of less than 100 pureblood individuals; due to intermarriage with Sioux and Chippewea folk. The Dawes-Severalty act of 1887 has left the Mandans confined to the Ft. Berthold Reservation in N. Dakota, ultimately reflecting their 1990 population census of 1,207 people.

#3 How did the group use the environment in respect to food, housing, clothing, etc...?

The Mandans were regarded as "Prairie people", and along with the Hidatsa, Arikara and Cheyenne tribes, they were better known as "Agricultural tribes" of their time. They lived in permanent villages along the Missouri River and cultivated corn, beans, squash and tobacco. They primarily hunted buffalo and were known to have gone on great excursions for deer. During times of fall and spring migration, the tribe hunted elk and antelope; later aided by the introduction of the horse (1750's).

Their huts were elaborate, constructed of cottonwood pillars, poplar planks for flooring and molded with clay, grasses and buffalo hide, for insulation. These huts housed greater than 12 people at a time and were built to heights of 18 feet in a circular fashion.

Their clothing was generally made of buffalo hide and their blankets woven of buffalo and deer hair.

#4 What myths, stories, etc. are associated with the tribe and their relation to the environment? Do modern members maintain these beliefs?

Mandan culture revolved around the sun god and a yearly 'sun dance'. This dance was preformed before and after a buffalo hunt and included self- torture and mutilation. They believed that by not crying out during these tortures one became a holy man or great warrior. The higher the status, the more time the torture was endured. It was also very common to fast, both to show respect for elders and to display strength. Warriors would gain (Hopini) power from endurance and their fasting was believed to lead to visions of (Manitou) guardian spirit, further giving them strength and protection.

Today, The Mandans are prosperous at the Fort Berthold Reservation. Recently the reservation created the Ft. Berthold Community College, affiliating three tribes, the Hidatsa, Arikara and Mandan. The first priority of the mission states that they are striving to retain and strengthen the cultures and beliefs of the tribe and to excel in higher education.

#5 What are my sources used?

Most of my information came from the Internet, yet the most important of my sources was the Native American Almanac.

Sites visited: www.fort-berthold.cc.nd.us/rezinfo.html

Seamonkey.ed.asu.edu/~hixson/cuff/Mandan.html

www.fargo.k12.nd.us/project/ndwebsite/mandan.html

www.bismarck-mandan.qpg.com

Native American Almanac. 1992: 453-454.