An influential figure in the history and culture of the MHA nation has passed away.

Edwin Benson, the last-known fluent-speaker of the Mandan language, died early Friday morning, his family confirmed.

Benson was born in 1931, and spoke several languages, including Mandan and Hidatsa.

There will be a one-hour visitation for the Beulah community Monday, Dec. 12 at 12:30 at the Barbot-Seibel Funeral Home.

Benson’s official wake will begin at 5 p.m. on Monday at the community center in Twin Buttes and will run throughout the night.

He will be laid to rest Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Twin Buttes Congregational Cemetery.