Various art/design projects for the new tribal building were originally put up on bids by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation to artists.

Yellow Bird said he submitted bids for these two sculptures and was fortunate to have been chosen. The two themes for these projects were spirituality and a military memorial.

The military sculpture, “Remember who you are, Remember where you come from, you will always be remembered,” reflects the Vietnam era, although it honors all the military branches, from those who are presently serving and who have served in the past as well as recognizing the first indigenous warriors of this continent as many of our tribe’s service men and women are descendent of,” said Yellow Bird.

“I chose this era because it was a very significant conflict/war/police action to me personally as I watched it on our first black-and-white TV as a young boy. It also influenced me artistically in my early years as a young artist and it was reflected in my earlier art themes.

This spirituality-themed sculpture, “Stand before all of creation and remember all the people with prayer,” by artist Monte Yellow Bird Sr., was installed near the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation’s Administration Headquarters, west of New Town, along with another sculpture by Yellow Bird. Photo by Karen LoneFight.

“As I began to develop as an artist my themes began to focus on spirituality, and formed the foundation of later work, although my new work is still tied to my earlier influences and original themes of warriorship, honor, traditions and culture. It became the catalyst for my interest in 1800s Plains Indian ledger art, which I am currently known for today and have collectors worldwide,” he said.

The second sculpture is “Stand before all of creation and remember all the people with prayer.”

Yellow Bird said the sculptures were placed near the Administration Headquarters on “two beautifully designed pedestals.”

A member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, Yellow Bird grew up at White Shield. He attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe, New Mexico, and graduated in 2004 from Minot State University with a bachelor of fine arts degree. His achievements include being the only U.S. artist to be selected to represent the United States and his Native people at the 2021 Dubai Art Expo, a three-day gathering of more than 500 artists from more than 170 nations. Yellow Bird lives in New Mexico, where he owns and operates Black Pinto Horse Fine Arts, a fine arts and educational company, at Rio Rancho.