Archaeologist monitors highway reconstruction for Native artifacts
August 8, 2025
An archaeologist is monitoring the reconstruction of Memorial Highway in Mandan, North Dakota, according to KFYR-TV. The highway lies on land historically belonging to the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, increasing the likelihood of discoveries during excavation.
The archaeologist will be on-site during all earthwork. Reilly Lembo, the North Dakota Department of Transportation state archaeologist, said, “You want to make sure that anything that could come up is treated properly and respectfully.“
- 1.KFYR TV.
We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.