By Jerry W. Kram
The MHA Nation Interpretive Center is fast becoming one of the major attractions on
Lake Sakakawea and visitors from around the world stop to learn about the culture and
history of the Three Affiliated Tribes. While they are there, they can also pick up something at
the Oaktree Gift shop to remember their visit.
Kylee Halvorson, Angelena McDonald, Arbonnie Rauth, and Andrea Meanus served up
new food items carried at the Oaktree Gift Shop at a tasting for patrons of the center.
Halvorson said they wanted to give the public a chance to try new items the shop was now
carrying. Halvorson is an executive assistant at the Center and oversees the gift shop.
“We have added mixes for smoky bacon cheese balls, pioneer bread, smoky bacon
ranch dip, and strawberry fruit dip,” said McDonald, who is the gift shop manager. “We also
have a new rub we used on some ribs and jalapeno chokecherry jelly. We purchase Pride of
Dakota products from Bison Country Brokers.”
The gift shop offers a wide range of items including a selection of adult and children’s
books on Native American Culture, with many focusing on the Three Affiliated Tribes. Along
with souvenir t-shirts and sweaters, the shop sells quilts and ribbon skirts, many made by
local craftspeople.
“We just added a new vendor called Minnetonka that sells slippers, boots, and
moccasins,” Halvorson said. “Our powwow season is coming up so if someone needs
moccasins right now, we do sell them here.”
McDonald mentioned that the shop carries some indigenous label make up items,
along with standard tourist items like key chains, magnets, and postcards. The shop also tries
to support Native artisans as well.
“We buy jewelry from local and non-local Native crafters,” McDonald said. “We buy
earrings, necklaces, silver, any kind of jewelry you can think of. We also have paintings by
Kathy Jacobson and Black Pinto Horse.”
“We also buy MHA Nation merchandise,” Halvorson added. “We order specifically from
the tribe to represent MHA Nation designs.”
The Oaktree Gift Shop is always looking for new products that fit into the Interpretive
Center’s mission. They are hoping to find new items for children.
“We are also getting some catalogs for more touristy type items,” Halvorson added.
“We hope to be getting them before summer.”
The Interpretive Center is also home to the Mirishibisha Black Water Coffee Shop
which offers a variety of beverages and daily lunch specials.