Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (NHSC) recently announced it has been awarded a grant of $1.9 million to fund an innovative drone project. This venture will not only enhance the college’s technological expertise but will also substantially improve transportation and healthcare for the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara (MHA) Nation and the wider region.

The primary objective of the drone project is to introduce additional, more cost-effective layers to the existing underdeveloped transportation network. One of the core values of this project and the grant is to ensure equitable access and coverage to historically disadvantaged and unserved communities.

The project will explore how future UAS and AAM vehicles can support existing transportation networks to transport both goods, including the drone delivery of medications to rural areas, with the ultimate goal of establishing a statewide or regional transportation network.

“This project was born out of community need and engagement,” said Dr. Kerry Hartman, academic dean of the NHSC Science Department. “We’re excited for the opportunity to serve the people of MHA Nation and the surrounding region,” said Hartman.

In addition, the team will develop a plan to expand workforce capacity in aeronautics among MHA tribal members through partnerships with the University of North Dakota, the Northern Plains Unmanned Arial System Test-Site, and their partners, including Thales and Airspace Link. This will involve both education and training as well as funding to facilitate the participation of the current and future student population.

“This grant also allows us to reach out to our youth by providing a “drone camp,” which is sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club at MHA Nation and hosted at the Earth Lodge Village each summer of the award period,” said Dr. Twyla Baker, president of NHSC. “This event will not only celebrate heritage but also provide education about aeronautics and the use of drones,” Baker said.