Mandan Culture and Internationally Known Traditional Flutist Featured During Indian Arts Showcase

Nationally known American Indian flute player and storyteller Mr. Keith Bear and the last fluent speaker of the Mandan Language and American Indian Educator Mr. Edwin Benson will headline the 21th annual “Indian Arts Showcase” at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. This special event will take place the weekend of August 4 &5, on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm each day. This event is free.

Benson is a member of the Mandan Nation out of Fort Berthold North Dakota and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the University of North Dakota. He’s the last fluent speaker of the Mandan language which was his first language. Benson has been invited to speak at numerous places throughout the country; he is a keeper of traditional Mandan stories, culture and language. Benson will present at 12pm CDT Saturday and 1:00 pm CDT Sunday.

Bear is a nationally renowned flutist and storyteller performances include, Smithsonian Folklife festival, the Kennedy Center, Lewis & Clark Bicentennial signature events throughout the US, the International Storytellers Festival in Wales, UK; for the North Dakota Arts Council, and in cultural programs throughout Europe. He has soloed with the National Symphony and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in performances of the Old Turtle Symphony. He performs at 3 pm CDT on Saturday and 3:30 pm CDT Sunday.

In addition drum and dance performances will be done daily by the Eagle Feather club from New Town, North Dakota and drum group Tatanka Oyate from Poplar, Montana at 1:30 pm CDT on Saturday and 2:00 pm CDT Sunday. Native American artisans continue to be a big part of the program, displaying their traditional arts and crafts throughout the day. Their knowledge with traditional arts and crafts continues to be the legacy for the Indian Arts Showcase.

Park hours are from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm CDT daily at Fort Union. Fort Union Trading Post is located 24 miles north of Sidney, Montana and 25 miles southwest of Williston, North Dakota, via highway 1804. While here, visitors are encouraged to tour the reconstructed fort, trade room and Bourgeois house.