Where To Learn About Montana’s Native American Tribes [10 Annual Powwows]

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I’ve had a fascination with Native American culture from a very young age.

Posters of Chief Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse adorned my wall, books of wisdom from Native American people sat on my desk, and dream catchers worked their magic of an evening (and still do).

The Western and Midwestern regions of the USA are famed for their Native American history, so when we visited the state of Montana, we knew we had to put special attention to learning about Montana’s Native American tribes.

Many Americans feel that to experience another culture, they must travel abroad, but within their own backyards, they have access to many diverse cultural stories, one of the richest being that of the Indigenous people.

This is simply not the case. You can learn about, and get involved in, Native American culture by attending an annual pow wow, a traditional gathering of Indigenous people for days of dancing, drumming, and celebrating their culture. 

Not all powwows are open to the public, so in this guide, we’ve shared where you can learn about Native American culture in Montana and the pow wows that are open to visitors.

Where To Learn About Native American Culture in Montana

Montana is a state rich with Native American history and culture. It has 12 Native American Tribes representing 6.3 percent of the population, so you have numerous unique Native American cultural immersion experiences to enjoy.

Many of the tribes I grew up learning about and avidly following can be found in this state. Some of Montana’s Indian Nations that have world-famous stories are The Crow, Blackfeet, Sioux, and Cheyenne.

Montana is also the site of the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn within the Crow Reservation.

1. Crow Fair Celebration Powwow & Rodeo

If you’ve ever studied Indian education, you would know that the Crow Tribe, also known as the Apsáalooke People, are the oldest Native American tribe in Montana.

The Crow Native Days, or Crow Fair Celebration Powwow & Rodeo, takes place at the Crow Indian Reservation, near the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (the battle is re-enacted here)

Each year, they hold the annual Crow Fair & Rodeo, which has been running every year for over 100 years (with the…