Crying Hill® Native American Heritage Site (photo by Mitch Vance)
Preserving Our Culture and Our Heritage
An Opening Reflection
"There is a strong sense of community in our area with a deep respect for its history. Crying Hill® carries a significant role in that history. It represents an important part of tradition and culture to the Native American community, our very first citizens.
"The preservation of Crying Hill and the plans to share its significance with future generations plays an importance beyond comprehension to creating understanding of the Native American culture and tradition.
"It is our responsibility to generate avenues for awareness. I want my grandchildren to understand, more importantly appreciate, the influences and contributions of the Native American people."
By the Honorable Ken LaMont Former Mayor of the City of Mandan (Mayor at the time this Crying Hill property was encouraged to be purchased)
Regina Schanandore, known as 'Eagle Plume Woman, and her brother Carl Whitman, chairman of the Three Affliated Tribes, circa 1950.
The effort to preserve Crying Hill is an ecumenical and nonpolitical community coalition comprised of people from North Dakota and elsewhere for the following goals and objectives:
1) To preserve historically significant property known both as Mandan Hill and Crying Hill, located on the east side of Mandan, North Dakota. This land is culturally important to the Native American population as a sacred place where, for centuries, members of the Sioux and Mandan tribes retreated, mourned, prayed, and attempted to communicate with their departed loved ones.
1881 Lithograph "Mandan Offering Food To Dead"
2) To preserve and protect this property from private urban development while public service and public and/or private trust ownership is investigated and developed.
3) To help develop and promote Native American historical awareness in the area.
4) To provide a public access area that will improve the economic, educational, spiritual, physical, and cultural well-being of the community, its children, and their families.
For many contemporary individuals and groups, Crying Hill is a place of memories, lore, heritage, and openness.
Real 1870's photograph of actual Mandan funeral pyre, of the type used on Crying Hill.
To learn more about the Mandan, Hidatasa and Arikara tribes, click here now
"What legacy are we leaving for future generations?
"By understanding the beliefs and attitudes of people from different backgrounds, we can build honest and open relationships. Native people need to be understood as a modern people who have a rich heritage and history in this country."
- from "One Church Many Tribes;
Following Jesus The Way God Made You"
by Reverend Richard Twiss
To keep the Crying Hill legend, name, and heritage from being abused or exploitated, the name Crying Hill has been registered by Patrick Atkinson as a protected trademark under the United States Patent and Trademark Act laws. Any heritage or civic-minded individuals, groups, or municipalities interested in using the Crying Hill name for business purposes should contact us for legal authorization prior to use.
