Edwin Benson

Edwin James Benson, known as Wéroke Wáatashe or Iron Bison, was a prominent Native American educator and the last native speaker of the Mandan language. Born on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, Benson's early life was marked by the upheaval caused by the construction of the Garrison Dam, which led to his family's relocation to Twin Buttes. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to preserving and teaching the Mandan language, serving as a teacher at Twin Buttes Elementary School. His commitment to cultural education earned him an honorary doctorate from the University of North Dakota in 2009, recognizing his efforts to instill the language and traditions of the Mandan people in younger generations. Benson's passing in 2016 marked a significant loss for the Mandan community, as it signified the extinction of their language. His legacy is captured in the documentary "To Save a Language," which highlights the efforts of linguists to learn and preserve the Mandan language. Benson's work not only underscored the importance of language as a vessel of cultural identity but also served as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Indigenous languages in the modern world. Through his dedication, he became a vital link to the Mandan heritage, inspiring future generations to appreciate and strive for the preservation of their cultural roots.