NEW TOWN – The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, led by the Office of Chairman Mark Fox, will be hosting the 8th Annual Ice Warrior Challenge on Thursday, Feb. 29, at the 4 Bears Marina, west of New Town.

Proceeds raised from the event will be donated to the American Indian Cancer Foundation and the MHA Cancer Fund.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the plunge taking place at 11:30 a.m. Registration and pledge forms can be found on the MHA website at www.mhanation.com.

Those attending can brave the challenge and jump into Lake Sakakawea or cheer on participants from the shore. Incentives are provided based on the dollar amount raised and categorized accordingly for registrants the day of the event.

Statistically, Native Americans have suffered higher rates of cancer than any other ethnicity in America. Organizations such as the American Indian Cancer Foundation eliminate cancer burdens for Indigenous people through improved access to prevention, early detection, treatment and survivor support.

The first annual Ice Warrior Challenge took place in 2016 and has since raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the American Indian Cancer Foundation and other local cancer programs.

The Ice Warrior Challenge is part of a winter festival.

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, the winter festival starts at 11:30 a.m. with contests open to Three Affiliated Tribes’ employees, including a snowman contest, chili cookoff, ice sculpting contest and chocolate-making contest, followed by an ice fishing tournament, open to the public and beginning at 3 p.m.

The winter festival concludes with the Ice Warrior Plunge into Lake Sakakawea. Many local individuals and businesses participate by taking the plunge to raise awareness and help raise funds.This event is open to the public and food will be provided at the MHA Energy Building at the conclusion of the event.