NEW TOWN – The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, in collaboration with Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (NHSC) and the University of North Dakota, will host three community events centered around the MHA Drone Project on July 17-18 in New Town.

The events aim to gather feedback and engage attendees with the team leading the expansion of medical drone usage within MHA Nation and the broader region.

Events will kick off at NHSC with an Advisory Board & Community Leader meeting to discuss the project and collect input, followed by a complimentary dinner. The next day, attendees can enjoy a free lunch while watching a medical search and rescue drone flight demonstration at the MHA Interpretive Center.

The drone project aims to integrate future unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility vehicles into existing transportation networks for transporting goods, including delivering medications to rural areas, and supporting emergency services. Its core goal is to establish an equitable statewide or regional transportation network, prioritizing historically disadvantaged and unserved communities.

“This event marks a crucial opportunity for our community to be involved in the advancement of healthcare and transportation accessibility,” said Dr. Twyla Baker, president of NHSC. “With their input and collaboration, we ensure our efforts directly address and meet the needs of MHA Nation.”

The project is supported by the United States Department of Transportation through the SMART Grant funding. Stanley Caldwell, director of SMART Grants for DOT, will be in attendance.