In a state known for its stunning Rocky Mountain peaks, incredible national parks and expansive prairies, visitors will find a story that was centuries in the making. It's the story of our American Indian Tribes: Montana's First Nations.

While several tribes called Big Sky Country home for centuries, modern-day Montana has seven Indian reservations and 12 tribes: Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Chippewa, Cree, Crow, Gros Ventres, Kootenai, Little Shell, Northern Cheyenne, Pend d'Oreille, Salish and Sioux. Each of these tribal nations observes its own distinct story, voice, heritage and traditions.

“Montana has an incredible history as it relates to our First Nations,” said Racene Friede, Executive Director of Glacier Country Tourism. “Each of the tribes in Montana keeps their own history alive through traditional gatherings and celebrations, with many providing touchable history and learning opportunities for locals and visitors.”

On the Flathead Indian Reservation and the Blackfeet Nation, both located within Western Montana's Glacier Country, Indian culture is shared and experienced against the backdrop of sacred landscapes with stories being told through Pow Wows and similar events. Plus, several tribes—including the Blackfeet and Confederated Salish and Kootenai—speak their native language and honor their cultural traditions as they work to preserve and share ancestral stories.

During the summer months, visitors to Glacier National Park—called the “Backbone of the World” by the Blackfeet Tribe—can learn about the history of the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai and Pend d'Oreille tribes by perusing the exhibit on display at the St. Mary Visitor Center or by attending one of the presentations (featuring traditional dancing, music or storytelling) of the Native America Speaks Program. Sun Tours also provides interpretive tours of the park from the perspective of the Blackfeet Tribe.

Outside of the park, additional highlights include The Museum of the Plains Indian, The Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery, Lodgepole Gallery & Tipi Village, The People's Center and Ninepipes Museum.

For more information on Montana's Indian nations, visit www.visitmt.com/places_to_go/indian_nations. For more on Western Montana's Glacier Country, visit www.glaciermt.com or our online press room at www.glaciermt.com/pressroom.

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