Northwest Art Center lecture examines oil impact on native cultural landscapes
Calvin Grinnell, historian for the Tribal Historic Preservation Office of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation, will present "The Impact of Oil Development on Cultural Landscapes" on the Northwest Art Center lecture series Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in Aleshire Theater, Minot State University. The lecture is one of a number of events planned in observance of Native American Cultural Celebration at MSU Nov.13-15.
Grinnell's presentation will outline the role of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office in protecting the cultural resources of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation as energy resources are developed.
Well pad construction, pipelines and access roads are major physical impacts to the landscape, according to Grinnell. The Tribal Historic Preservation Office strives to protect ancient burial sites and rock formations, as well as natural features such as creeks, streams and Lake Sakakawea. Considered a "grandfather" to the Hidatsa, the waters of the Missouri have now increased in value for their role in the "fracking" process, said Grinnell. The lecture will explore some possible outcomes of energy development.
In addition to his work with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, Grinnell is vice-president of the State Historical Board of North Dakota. He narrated a recently released documentary, "The People of the Upper Missouri: The Mandans," produced by the State Historical Society of N.D. Grinnell is collaborating with Joseph Jastrzembski, MSU associate history professor, on a Mandan language and oral traditions reservation project.
The lecture is free and open to the public. An informal reception will follow the presentation.
For more information about activities scheduled during Native American Cultural Celebration, visit www.minotstateu.edu.
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Published: 11/06/12 |