Glacier Country, Montana—Quiet abounds across the prairies and meadows, while a soft breeze carries the gentle beating of a drum. Slowly the sound intensifies and is soon joined by singing. As visitors approach, they are greeted by dancers adorned in bright, colorful attire performing a traditional dance. These are the sights and sounds of an American Indian Pow Wow—a time-honored event that takes place throughout Western Montana.

“One of the elements that makes Western Montana so interesting is the diversity of culture,” said Racene Friede, Executive Director of Glacier Country Tourism. “We're still able to experience the traditions of the First Nations of Montana.”

Located within Glacier Country are two Indian reservations—the Blackfeet Nation and Flathead Indian Reservation. The Blackfeet Nation is home to the Blackfeet Tribe, while the Flathead Indian Reservation is home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes.

Situated on the eastern border of Glacier National Park where the sweeping plains meet the Rocky Mountains is the Blackfeet Nation. Each July, Indian tribes from across the United States and Canada gather here for North American Indian Days where tribes celebrate time-honored customs that include traditional drumming, dancing, a rodeo and Pow Wow.

In addition to notable events, the Blackfeet Nation also offers abundant opportunities to experience the tribe's culture, including The Museum of the Plains Indian, The Blackfeet Heritage Center, cultural tours and the Lodgepole Gallery & Tipi Village. Sun Tours also provides Blackfeet interpretive tours of Glacier National Park, with guides giving enlightening insights into the history and culture of the tribe as it relates to the “Backbone of the World.”

Farther west in the lush Flathead and Jocko valleys is the Flathead Indian Reservation. Home to the Kootenai, Pend O'reille and Salish, the tribes celebrate their history and culture through traditional Pow Wows (the most notable being the Arlee Celebration), as well as The People's Center—a museum that houses artifacts, exhibits and stories from the tribes.

For more information on Western Montana's Glacier Country, visit www.glaciermt.com or our online press room at www.glaciermt.com/press.