Glacier

Native America Speaks

circular logo that reads "Native America Speaks Glacier National Park" featuring a geometric teepee
Native America Speaks Logo

Program History

Each summer, members of the Blackfeet Nation and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes share personal knowledge of their history and culture as part of the Native America Speaks program. This program began in 1982 and is the longest running Indigenous speaker series in the National Park Service. Native America Speaks programs are generally offered at park campgrounds and historic lodges, and in locations throughout the Blackfeet Nation. In addition, cultural presentations are offered at various locations througout the park. To learn more about Native America Speaks, view this short film made in 2019 that chronicles the history of the program through the voices of the presenters.

To celebrate the 40th anniverary of the Native America Speaks program, the Glacier National Park Conservancy held a student art contest to create the first ever logo for Native America Speaks in 2022. The contest winner was Henrietta Wolf Black, a student at the Salish and Kootenai College. To learn more about Henrietta's design read this interview with the Glacier National Park Conservancy.

 
Blackfeet Tipis
Blackfeet Tipis

NPS PHOTO

Program Highlights

Native America Speaks evening programs and cultural presentations provide opportunities for local tribal members to share their rich history and culture through singing, storytelling, presentations, and hands-on learning. In addition to programs offered in the park, Native America Speaks presentations are also offered on the Blackfeet Nation at the Museum of the Plains Indian and Chewing Black Bones Campground. Learn more about each of the presenters here. Recordings of several presentations from 2019 are also available: Vernon Finley, Don Fish, Tony Incashola, Darnell Rides At The Door, Treyace Yellow Owl, Ernie Heavy Runner, and Mariah Gladstone.

The Blackfeet Singers and Dancers provide insight into contemporary and traditional Blackfeet history and culture through narration and fancy, jingle, traditional, and grass dance demonstrations.

All Native America Speaks programs are made possible through a generous donation from the Glacier National Park Conservancy.

Summer 2024 Schedule of Programs and Cultural Presentations

Schedule of programs can be found on the calendar below. Speakers are subject to change.
 

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Colored lantern slide of people and tipi on lakeshore
People

Meet the individuals and groups that influenced Glacier National Park.

Ranger and Visitor on the historic DeSmet
Ranger-led Programs

Our scheduled activities include a variety of ranger-led programs, from easy walks and evening talks, to all-day hikes and boat tours.

Group uses drill at icefield
Archeology

Learn how we study Glacier's past, long before it was a park.

Last updated: May 30, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

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