NEW TOWN –The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) raised more than $75,000 during its ninth annual MHA Ice Warrior Plunge held on Feb. 26, according to MHA Nation information.

The funds will provide cancer services and other resources for Native people. A portion of the money will be donated to the American Indian Cancer Foundation, which works to eliminate the cancer burdens of American Indian and Alaska Native people through improved access to prevention, early detection, treatment and survivor support.

The remaining funds will be placed into the MHA Cancer Fund. The tribe plans to use the funds in the future to provide lodging assistance to MHA tribal members and families traveling to Minnesota for appointments and cancer treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer is the leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native people.

“The MHA Nation stands united with the American Indian Cancer Foundation in our commitment to combating this disease in Native communities,” said Mark Fox, Chairman of MHA Nation. “We are also committed to building up the MHA Cancer Fund here at home to relieve some of the financial burden that our tribal members face when getting treatment. None of our citizens should have to face this battle alone.”

This year, a record 103 participants took part in the annual Ice Warrior Plunge. As is tradition, Fox was the first jumper. Other “warriors” to make the plunge were MHA Nation Vice-Chairman Cory Spotted Bear, Northeast Segment Councilman Mervin Packineau, research manager of the American Indian Cancer Foundation Wyatt Pickner and research team member of the American Indian Cancer Foundation Mac Hickey.

Since it was created, the MHA Nation has raised more than $300,000 through individual pledges and sponsorships. The tribe has partnered with the American Indian Cancer Foundation since 2016.