Hidatsa in United States
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| People Name: | Hidatsa |
| Country: | United States |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 500 |
| World Population: | 500 |
| Primary Language: | Hidatsa |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 65.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 2.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Online Audio NT: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | North American Indigenous |
| Affinity Bloc: | North American Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Hidatsas were a confederation of nomadic tribes living in North Dakota and Minnesota. They are loosely related to the better known Sioux tribe, and their language is related to that of the Crow people.
The Hidatsa were central to a trade network in their region. There was an epidemic in 1792 that brought this tribe from being at peace with other tribes to being at war. They suffered a smallpox epidemic in 1837–1838 which reduced their population dramatically. They had early contact with Whites. The Lewis and Clark Expedition came through their region in the early 1800s.
The Hidatsa were matrilineal, meaning the line of descent came through the mother’s line. They were closely associated with the Mandan tribe; there was much intermarriage between them.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Hidatsa people are so small in number that we know very little about their lives in the 21st century. Most likely they have blended in with other Native American communities or they live like other Americans. They have their own language, Hidatsa, but most speak English.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most are Christian today. Some reject Christianity since it came from those who took their land. Like many who were pressured into becoming Christian, the Chumash reject Christian institutions. They often don’t give the loving savior a chance because of historical injustices coming from “Christians.”
What Are Their Needs?
The Hidatsa people need a spirituality that centers on Jesus Christ without the trappings of European culture. Christian believers from their people can write worship songs that involve culturally relevant ways to worship.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to raise up some to produce culturally appropriate worship music for the Hidatsa people.
Pray for the Lord to bless the Hidatsa people both spiritually and economically.
Pray for Hidatsa disciples who will make more disciples.