Awatixa Village is one of three major Hidatsa settlements preserved at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site near Stanton, ND. Also referred to as Sakakawea Village, after its best-known inhabitant, the village was the subject of two archaeological field sessions directed by Dr. Mark Mitchell. Archaeological excavations in the 1960s and 70s suggested the village was founded around 1797 and abandoned in 1834. However, work completed may shed new light on the story—one of resilience in the face of dramatic changes that swept through the region in the middle of the 19^th century. As an added benefit, the public had an opportunity to learn all about archaeological research, participating in interpretive programs and witnessing archaeology in action. Thunder Revolution Studio, LLC, an Indigenous-owned film company, captured footage of this incredible partner project.

Partners: Paleocultural Research Group, National Park Service, Minnesota State University-Moorehead, Oklahoma State University, and Thunder Revolution Studio, LLC.