Browning is the agency headquarters for the 1.5 million-acre Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Blackfeet Indians are Montana's largest Indian tribe. Although today the majority of the Blackfeet on the reservation live much like the residents of any western community, they have maintained many of their cultural traditions. Painted tipis, colorful feather headdresses and beaded deerskin costumes are used on special occasions such as the North American Indian Days Celebration. North American Indian Days are held behind the museum on the powwow grounds during the second week in July. The Heart Butte Indian Days are held in August.
The main attraction is the Museum of the Plains Indian, near the intersection of US Highways 2 and 89. A comprehensive collection of cultural artifacts and exhibits is professionally displayed at the museum. A gift shop features a wide variety of authentic, contemporary Native American art and jewelry. Another cultural attraction is the Blackfeet Heritage Center, under management of the Siyeh Development, Inc.
The Blackfeet Historic Site Tours feature a reflection of the rich and varied history of the Blackfeet people representing a unique crosssection of tribal life from prehistoric time to the present. Sites include: Sun Dance, Buffalo Jumps, Tipi Rings, Old North Trail, Old Agency and the Starvation Winter of 1883-84, Holy Family Mission, Meriwether Lewis meets the Blackfeet, Fort Shaw and Fort McLeod Road. Half-day and full-day minibus tours are offered, personally guided by a Blackfeet interpreter. The tours start at the Museum of the Plains Indian and cover portions of the Blackfeet Nation with historic and cultural interest.
40th Annual Kyi-Yo (Missoula)
(April 18 - 20, 2008)
Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Spring Show - (Kalispell)
(April 19 - 20, 2008)
Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale: Cello Passion - (Billings)
(April 19, 2008)
Annual Helena Railroad Fair (Helena)
(April 27, 2008)
2008 Ice Breaker Road Race (Great Falls)
(April 27, 2008)
Taste the Best of Bigfork (Bigfork)
(April 28, 2008)
For more information on events in Montana visit our Events page.