American Indians of Montana
Montana is home to 7 Indian reservations: 
The Crow Indian Reservation is the state’s largest. There is grazing and farm land, a coal mine and a buffalo herd. Each August the annual Crow Fair is held at the Crow Agency. The fair is a time of parades, dance competitions, arts and crafts, rodeo competitions and traditional foods. The reservation is home to the nation’s first Indian school (est. 1903). Nearby is the Chief Plenty Coups State Park where you can see his home and trading post. Chief Plenty Coups, the last chief of the Crow Indians, encouraged his tribe to adopt the ways of the white man. Also on site, is a museum with exhibits on the Crow Indian, the only Indian tribe who never went to war against the United States government.
The Blackfeet Reservation’s capital is Browning, which is the eastern gateway to Glacier National Park. You can visit the Museum of the Plains Indians to learn about their history and culture. The museum displays tribal artifacts of the Northern Plains Native Americans.
Ft. Peck Indian Reservation
To learn about the Sioux and the Assiniboine Indian’s, spend some time visiting the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Cultural Center and Museum. Here you will see exhibits on their heritage, along with the arts and crafts of these interesting people.
The Jailhouse Gallery
In Hardin, Montana you can go to the Jailhouse Gallery where you can see works by artisans of the Crow and Cheyenne Reservations. The Gallery is an enthusiastic supporter of Indian education, exposure and promotion of the arts.
Hardin is also the host of Custer’s Last stand Reenactment which is held each June.
 Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a reminder of the Indian’s last stand against the invasion of the white man into what had always been home to the American Indian. The Monument commemorates the lives lost and a culture forever changed. At the visitor’s center, you will see historical displays, can go on the walking trails and take a guided auto or bus tour.
Big Hole National Battlefield
Here you will find a memorial to the casualties of the Nez Perce and US soldiers who died in August of 1877. The battlefield is part of the Nez Perce Historic Park and has two visitor’s centers with exhibits and hiking trails. Bear’s Paws Battleground is the location of the last battle and the surrender of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. It was here that he stated, “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
The Chief Joseph Monument
The Chief Joseph Monument in Fireman’s Park (Laurel) along with the Canyon Creek Battlefield Monument serves as a reminder of the 1877 battle between the Nez Perce and the US Calvary.
Photo Credits: Two Indians Painting courtesy of Beinecke Library; Monument by Jim Bowen; |
