Tribal Nations

A STORY CENTURIES IN THE MAKING

The American Indian way of life.

Some say the history of modern-day Montana dates back to Lewis and Clark’s expedition through the West, while others know that going back 200 years merely touches the surface. People have called the plains and mountains of Montana home for millennia, with evidence of human use in and around Glacier National Park dating back more than 10,000 years. History shows that the land east of the park was home to the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, and the Salish and Kootenai Tribes initially inhabited the valleys east of the Continental Divide and hunted on the eastern plains.

The cultural heritage in Montana is a rich, colorful tapestry of tradition, art, music, dance, storytelling, adventure, industry and leisure that creates a place of awe-inspiring spirit and wonder.

In Montana you’ll find seven Indian reservations and 12 tribes: the Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Chippewa, Cree, Crow, Gros Ventres, Kootenai, Little Shell, Northern Cheyenne, Pend d’Oreilles, Salish and Sioux. Each of these Tribal Nations observes and celebrates its own distinct story, heritage and traditions.

On the Flathead and Blackfeet reservations—both located within Glacier Country—American Indian culture is shared and experienced against the backdrop of sacred landscapes, often through pow wows and storytelling. Several tribes, including the Blackfeet and Confederated Salish and Kootenai, continue to teach their native language and honor their tribe’s traditions.

To learn about the Blackfeet Nation, book a day trip with Sun Tours or Iron Shield Creative (specializing in visual storytelling and cultural workshop hikes), or pore over artifacts, exhibits and art at the Museum of the Plains Indian, Lodgepole Gallery, Western Curios and Faught’s Blackfeet Trading Post.

At the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, explore Montana’s heritage, as well as the stories of the land, the Salish and Kootenai people and the wildlife of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Discover more about the history and heritage of the Tribal Nations in Montana. Visit the Three Chiefs Culture Center, Museum & Gift Shop in St. Ignatius. Explore the exhibit gallery to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai tribes.

Please be a responsible traveler while visiting Tribal Nations. Tread lightly, leave no trace, be respectful, patient and kind. Visit RecreateResponsiblyMT.com for more information. Learn more about experiencing Tribal Nations in Montana at glaciermt.com/american-indian-culture and visitmt.com/indian-country.