Experience the Spirit & Beauty of Fort Belknap: A Celebration of Culture, Tradition, and Nature

📍 Fort Belknap Indian Community

🔗 Learn More Here: https://ftbelknap.org/

The People of the Plains Welcome You

Nestled in the sweeping landscapes of north-central Montana, the Fort Belknap Indian Community invites you to explore a land where tradition and natural beauty come together in harmony. Home to the Nakoda (Assiniboine) and Aaniiih (Gros Ventre) Tribes, Fort Belknap is a place of resilience, culture, and deep connections to the land.

Their names hold powerful meaning:

●    Aaniiih ("White Clay People") reflects their deep spiritual and historical connection to the land.

●    Nakoda ("The Generous Ones") embodies their legacy of strength, hospitality, and community.

Established through the 1888 Fort Belknap Treaty, the reservation spans over 650,000 acres of breathtaking plains, rolling hills, and mountains, making it a destination for those seeking cultural immersion, adventure, and serenity.

Preserving Tradition & Honoring the Land

For centuries, the Nakoda and Aaniiih people have thrived in this stunning region, preserving traditions such as:

✅ Buffalo restoration – A symbol of resilience, restoring balance between nature and heritage.

✅ Beadwork, storytelling, and drumming – A way to pass down generational knowledge.

✅ Cultural and spiritual gatherings – Celebrating identity and strengthening the community.

The reservation is also home to the Little Rocky Mountains and Mission Canyon, sacred spaces that provide breathtaking views, hiking opportunities, and a deeper spiritual connection to the land.

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🌟 Experience the Power & Beauty of a Powwow

One of the most authentic ways to experience Fort Belknap’s culture is by attending a traditional powwow—a vibrant gathering of dancers, drummers, and artisans, where tradition comes alive through song, movement, and storytelling.

Annual Powwow Events

📍 Wasay Wakpa Wachi "Red Paint Creek Powwow" – 3rd Weekend in July

Set along the banks of Red Paint Creek & nestled along the Little Rocky Mountains, this powwow brings together families, dancers, and drummers from across Indian Country for a spectacular weekend of celebration.

📍 Milk River Indian Days Powwow – 4th Weekend in July

One of the largest gatherings on the reservation, featuring powerful drum groups, stunning regalia, and an atmosphere of unity and pride.

📍 Little Peoples Canyon Powwow – 2nd Weekend in August

Experience an unforgettable journey as you drive through the stunning Mission Canyon, where towering rock formations lead to the powwow grounds—a setting unlike any other.

📍 Fort Belknap Chief Joseph Powwow – 1st Weekend in October

Honoring the legacy of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, this gathering is dedicated to strength, perseverance, and unity through culture and ceremony.

📍 Fort Belknap Veterans Powwow – 2nd Weekend in November

A special tribute to Native American veterans, blending honor, tradition, and community appreciation for those who have served.

📍 Lodge Pole New Year’s Powwow – December 31st

Ring in the New Year with drums, dance, and a strong sense of community, as this powwow welcomes all to celebrate renewal and hope for the year ahead.

🌿 Each of these powwows welcomes visitors from all walks of life—come experience the heartbeat of Fort Belknap!

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🌄 Explore the Land & Its Sacred Beauty

Fort Belknap Reservation offers a mesmerizing natural landscape, from the rugged peaks of the Little Rocky Mountains to the expansive grasslands of the Great Plains. These lands are not only beautiful but sacred, forming the foundation of spiritual and cultural traditions.

Must-See Attractions

🏞 Mission Canyon – Hike through sheer cliffs, lush forests, and hidden waterfalls, creating a serene and breathtaking experience.

🐂 Bison Viewing & Prairie Wildlife – Spot roaming buffalo, deer, elk, antelope, rare bird species, black-footed ferret, swift fox, burrowing owl and other wildlife on the vast prairies, a sight that brings history to life.

🚗 Scenic Drives & Historic Sites Nearby

●    Bear Paw Battlefield (30 miles) – The final site of the Nez Perce War, where Chief Joseph surrendered, ending a powerful chapter in history.

●    Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (75 miles) – Ideal for kayaking, fishing, and exploring Montana’s untamed beauty.

●    Glacier National Park (200 miles) – Known as the Crown of the Continent, offering majestic peaks, pristine lakes, and endless adventure.

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🌎 Authentic Cultural Experiences

To truly connect with the Nakoda and Aaniiih people, immerse yourself in these authentic experiences:

🏕 Guided Cultural Tours – Explore scenic & historic sites, powwows, and demonstrations of powwow dancing, singing/drumming, beadwork and tipi construction through the Aaniiih Nakoda Tours office.

🏡 Local Lodging – Stay at Antelope Creek Campground (American Prairie), our airbnb in Harlem, Montana and nearby motels, where you can experience the warm hospitality of the community.

🍽 Traditional Native Cuisine – Taste bison stew, fry bread, and local farm-to-table dishes at community gatherings and special events.

🎨 Art & Handcrafted Goods – Shop for handmade beadwork, paintings, and cultural items crafted by local artists, supporting indigenous entrepreneurship.

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📌 Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Montana

📧 Contact: Aaniiih Nakoda Tours Office | (406) 673-3002/(406) 301-2756

🌐 Website: https://www.fortbelknapcedc.org/tours 

🚗 Getting Here:

●    By Car: Accessible via U.S. Highway 2

●    By Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder line stops in Havre, MT (45 miles away)

●    By Air: Closest major airports:

○    Great Falls International Airport (175 miles)

○    Billings Logan International Airport (235 miles)

🌤 Best Time to Visit:

●    Summer (June – August) – Powwows, hiking, and warm weather.

●    Fall (September – November) – Crisp air, cultural events, and stunning autumn colors.

●    Winter (December – February) – A peaceful, snow-covered landscape perfect for reflection.

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🌿 A Journey of Culture, Adventure & Connection

Explore Fort Belknap Indian Community, where the timeless beauty of the plains meets a vibrant cultural heritage. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or cultural enrichment, Fort Belknap offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

🌟 Come for the history, stay for the connection—plan your visit today and experience the heart of Montana through the eyes of the Nakoda and Aaniiih people.