November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the deep histories, vibrant cultures, and meaningful contributions of Indigenous peoples. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the values, connections, and traditions that Native Nations have carried forward for generations.
At Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP), we recognize the importance of honoring Indigenous peoples not just during this month, but throughout the work we do every day. It is an honor to collaborate with Native Nations, learning from their wisdom and heritage as we help create spaces that reflect their vision for thriving communities.
Working with Native communities is about more than construction – it is about respect, understanding, listening, and true partnership. Every project is an opportunity to create something meaningful: spaces that foster connection, celebrate culture, and support future generations.
Through our collaborations, we have gained a deeper appreciation for the focus on community-centered design. Tribal projects are thoughtfully planned with the entire community in mind, creating places where people of all ages can gather, grow, and celebrate their heritage. These spaces honor their communities’ values and often incorporate culturally significant design elements.
One example is the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) West Segment – Mandaree Community Center in North Dakota, a project AP is honored to support. The 94,000-square-foot space will be a central gathering place, providing resources and opportunities for generations to come.
The design of the community center reflects the rich cultural heritage of the MHA Nation. Its circular layout is a powerful symbol in Native American culture, representing the four seasons, the heavens and earth, the universe, and the cycle of life. This design celebrates the interconnectedness of all things and honors traditional values while addressing the current needs of the community.
When completed, the community center will feature:
This space is more than a building – it is a gathering place where young people can play, families can unite, and the community can come together as a center for connection, culture, and wellness.
In addition to the MHA Nation – West Segment – Mandaree Community Center, AP is currently supporting several additional projects for the MHA Nation in North Dakota and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota. Each collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating spaces that celebrate culture, foster connection, and support future generations.
As we reflect on Native American Heritage Month, we are reminded of the responsibility we carry as partners in building these impactful spaces. At AP, we approach each project with care and respect, ensuring that the needs, values, and traditions of the communities we serve are at the forefront.
We are deeply grateful for the trust that Native Nations place in us and for the opportunity to contribute to their vision for thriving, connected communities. Through collaboration, understanding, and a commitment to honoring their traditions, we strive to reflect the values of their elders and ancestors while building for their future.
As Senior Project Manager, Dan Anderson is currently overseeing the construction of the MHA Nation – West Segment – Mandaree Community Center in Mandaree, ND. With a strong focus on collaboration, Dan is dedicated to delivering projects that meet the unique needs of clients and foster stronger communities.
In his role, Dan works closely with tribal leaders, design teams, and field staff to bring the MHA Nation’s vision to life. His approach ensures the new community center will serve as a vital space for connection and growth, honoring the cultural heritage and future aspirations of the Mandaree community.
