The Hidatsa (called Minnetaree by their allies, the Mandan) are a Siouan people, a part of the Three Affiliated Tribes.

The Hidatsa's autonym is Hiraacá.

According to the tribal tradition, the word hiraacá derives from the word "willow"; however, the etymology is not transparent and the similarity to mirahací ‘willows’ inconclusive.

The present name Hidatsa was formerly borne by one of the three tribal villages.

When the villages consolidated, the name was adopted for the tribe as a whole.

Their language is related to that of the Crow, and they are sometimes considered a parent tribe to the modern Crow in Montana.

Occasionally they have also been confused with the Gros Ventres in Montana.