Advocates Push for Maah Daah Hey National Monument in North Dakota to Honor Indigenous Heritage

A group of North Dakota tribal citizens and conservation advocates are asking President Joe Biden to establish the Maah Daah Hey National Monument. This monument would protect approximately 140,000 acres of undeveloped federal land in western North Dakota. The land holds cultural significance for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation and other Native cultures.

Michael Barthelemy, a Native Studies director, emphasized the need for a shift in narratives surrounding this land. He noted that Indigenous perspectives are often overlooked in national parks and state parks. The proposed monument includes 11 plots along the Maah Daah Hey Trail, connecting to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The proposal has strong support from tribal councils, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. State Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille stated the importance of recognizing Indigenous history in these areas.

The land is currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Protecting it as a national monument would prevent future development and help conserve sensitive ecosystems and fossil sites.

Scott Skokos, Dakota Resource Council Executive Director, mentioned that the group has met with Biden’s administration twice to discuss the monument proposal. The response has been positive, and they hope for action before Biden leaves office, but they are open to collaboration with future administrations.

Advocates assured that recreational access and cattle grazing would continue if the monument is designated. However, some concerns have been raised. U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer criticized the proposal, calling it “premature” and expressing doubts over local support. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum highlighted the importance of balancing land protection with energy development.

Presidents can designate national monuments under the Antiquities Act of 1906. If approved, Maah Daah Hey would be North Dakota’s first national monument. For more information, visit protectmdh.com.