Native American Flags: Arikara People

Celebrate the Arikara people, also known as the Sahnish, through our curated collection of flags and merchandise representing the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. These items honor the Arikara’s rich heritage, cultural identity, and their integral role within this historic tribal alliance.

Historical Context

The Arikara have long been inhabitants of the Great Plains region, primarily along the Missouri River in present-day North Dakota. As part of the Caddoan linguistic family, the Arikara have a distinct cultural identity deeply connected to agriculture, community, and oral tradition.

Traditionally, the Arikara were semi-nomadic farmers and hunters. Their diet and spiritual life centered around the cultivation of the "Three Sisters": corn, beans, and squash, as well as sunflowers. Their settlements featured earth lodges—large, durable homes suited to the Plains environment.

The 18th and 19th centuries brought immense challenges to the Arikara people, including devastating smallpox epidemics and pressure from expanding European-American settlements and conflicts with neighboring tribes. These adversities diminished their population and necessitated a close alliance with the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes. This tri-tribal partnership was formalized as the Three Affiliated Tribes, who today reside on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

Symbolism of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation Flag

The flag of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation symbolizes unity, resilience, and cultural pride among the three tribes, with elements that specifically honor the Arikara people:

  • White Background: The flag’s white field represents peace, spirituality, and purity. It embodies the sacred sky under which the tribes have lived for centuries.

  • Central Circular Seal: At the heart of the flag is a circular emblem incorporating key cultural symbols

  • Corn Stalks: Corn holds profound significance as a sacred crop and staple food, representing life, sustenance, and spiritual nourishment for the Arikara and the affiliated tribes.

  • Three Eagle Feathers: Hanging beneath the seal are three eagle feathers, each representing one of the tribes—the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. Eagles and their feathers are revered in Native American culture for their spiritual power, connection to the Creator, and as emblems of honor and strength.

  • Tribal Names: The names Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara are displayed prominently within the seal, affirming the equal status and unity of the tribes within the collective nation.

Current Relevance and Governance

Today, the Arikara, together with the Mandan and Hidatsa, form a sovereign government recognized as the Three Affiliated Tribes. They administer the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, managing natural resources, economic development, cultural preservation, and social services for their people.

The flag is a powerful symbol flown at tribal government buildings, community centers, cultural events, and educational institutions. It serves as a reminder of the tribes’ enduring strength, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Ongoing efforts focus on language preservation, cultural revitalization, and economic sovereignty, ensuring the Arikara people maintain their traditions and adapt to contemporary challenges. The flag embodies these collective aspirations and identity.

Additional Facts About the Arikara People

  • The Arikara are known as the "Corn People" due to their agricultural heritage.

  • Their language is part of the Caddoan family, related to Pawnee and Wichita.

  • The Arikara have a rich oral tradition, including stories and ceremonies that emphasize balance with nature and community welfare.

  • They were expert traders, connecting with many neighboring tribes and early European explorers.

  • Today, the Arikara continue to celebrate traditional ceremonies, including dances and storytelling, to keep their culture vibrant.