Submitted An artist's rendering shows the Pioneer Family Sculpture to be unveiled at the Rolette Pioneer Families Reunion in Rolette July 10–12.

ROLETTE – Descendants of Norwegian immigrants, along with family living in Norway, will gather on the northern plains of North Dakota for a once-in-a-generation celebration this summer.

The Rolette Pioneer Families Reunion 2026, scheduled for July 10-12, marks the 50th anniversary of the original 1976 reunion and centers on a moment that attendees have quite literally been waiting half a century for – the opening of a time capsule buried at Westland Cemetery in Rolette.

Thanks to the generosity of donors from across the family community, the reunion will include the unveiling of a newly commissioned pioneer family sculpture, permanently installed to honor the immigrant families at the heart of the gathering.

The reunion officially kicks off Friday, July 10, with registration and the ceremonial removal and opening of the 1976 time capsule, followed by an evening dinner and entertainment.

Saturday, July 11, features guided tours of historic pioneer farms, including the T.K. Bakken, Gilje and Tastad family homesteads. The day also includes a reunion picnic, a group trip to the International Peace Garden on the U.S.-Canada border and family relays and games. Saturday evening winds down with a social hosted by the Walter Tastad descendants.

Sunday, July 12, brings a church service, the burial of a newly written time capsule to be opened in 2076, informal family gatherings and a golf tournament at Rolette Country Club.

Reunion activities will be centered at Westland Cemetery and the Rolette Legion Hall. Early arrivals on Thursday, July 9, can view memorabilia and artifacts and visit local historical sites, including the Ojibwe Heritage Center, Rugby Pioneer Village and the Hawk Museum.

As in 1976, when 275 people gathered with no restrictions on attendance, the 2026 reunion is fully open to the public. Visitors from Norway are especially welcomed, as are community members from the Rolette area and anyone who feels a connection to the region’s Norwegian immigrant heritage, whether or not they share a direct family tie.

Attendees are encouraged to bring memorabilia for display, such as photos, letters, documents, clothing and heirlooms, with 8-foot display tables available. Setup is planned for July 9 from 3-5 p.m. in the lower level of the Rolette Armory.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Sky Dancer Casino Hotel at Belcourt under “Rolette Reunion 2026,” but other lodging also is available in the area. People interested in RV sites should contact the planning committee. Registration is open on the Rolette Reunion 2026 website.

The reunion is being organized by a volunteer planning committee from Norway and the United States.