Western Montana’s Glacier Country is home to vibrant tribal communities, living traditions and cultural experiences that offer meaningful opportunities to learn about the history and heritage of Indigenous peoples in the region. Two of seven tribal nations in Montana are located in Glacier Country: the Blackfeet Nation on the Blackfeet Reservation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on the Flathead Reservation.
Throughout the year, visitors can experience pow wows, cultural events, museums, galleries and locally made arts and crafts that honor and preserve tribal traditions, stories and ways of life.
BLACKFEET RESERVATION
Spanning 1.5 million acres along the eastern edge of Glacier National Park and bordering Canada, the Blackfeet Reservation is home to the largest tribal population in Montana. The Blackfeet Nation comprises the North Piegan, South Piegan, Blood and Siksika tribes, and the region offers opportunities to experience Blackfeet culture, history and traditions firsthand.
Each July, Browning hosts North American Indian Days, one of the largest gatherings of tribal nations in North America. Held over four days during the second week of July, the event includes pow wow dancing, drumming, stick games, parades and rodeo competitions, including the well-known Indian Relay races featuring riders from across the Rocky Mountain West.
In Browning, explore the Museum of the Plains Indian, which features clothing, weapons, beadwork and artifacts representing Northern Plains tribal cultures.
At Lodgepole Gallery, view and purchase fine art created by Blackfeet artists working across a variety of mediums.
Based in East Glacier Park, Sun Tours leads interpretive tours throughout Blackfeet Country and along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, sharing stories and perspectives rooted in Blackfeet history and culture.
During the summer season, tribal members also participate in the Native America Speaks program in Glacier National Park, offering educational presentations that share Indigenous history, traditions and cultural knowledge with park visitors.
FLATHEAD RESERVATION
Located between Missoula and Kalispell, the Flathead Reservation encompasses 1.2 million acres, including the southern half of Flathead Lake. Home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the reservation is known for its Mission Mountain scenery, cultural heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Several annual pow wows and cultural celebrations take place throughout the region, including the Arlee Esyapqeyni Celebration in July, the Standing Arrow Pow Wow in Elmo in July and the Kyiyo Pow Wow in Missoula each April. These gatherings feature traditional dancing, drumming, regalia, storytelling and games, with each event reflecting unique tribal traditions and community connections.
The CSKT Bison Range in Moiese provides opportunities to view bison, elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, black bears and a variety of bird species across grassland and mountain landscapes. Explore the range through three scenic drives, including West Loop Road, Prairie Drive and the seasonal Red Sleep Mountain Drive. The range’s visitor center offers a glimpse of history from the Blackfeet perspective.
In Pablo, Three Chiefs Cultural Center shares the history and traditions of the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille tribes through exhibits, educational programming, cultural presentations and community events.
The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana in Charlo preserves the history of the Flathead Reservation and early Montana through artifacts, beadwork, photographs, weapons and wildlife displays. Visitors can also enjoy Mission Mountain views from the museum’s nature trail.
In St. Ignatius, Four Winds Indian Trading Post has operated continuously for generations and offers American Indian made art supplies, beadwork materials and traditional items.
Visitors recreating on tribal lands should do so respectfully and responsibly. Please note that a Tribal Conservation Permit is required for recreation on reservation lands. Additional information about permits and recreation regulations is available through the Blackfeet Nation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
Updated June 22, 2026
July 1, 2019
Related: American Indian, Arlee, Arts and Culture, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Blackfeet Nation, Browning, Charlo, Elmo, Events, Flathead Corridor, Flathead Indian Reservation, Galleries, Glacier National Park, Indoor Fun, Missoula, Moiese, Montana, Museums, Pablo, Polson, Shopping, St. Ignatius
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