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Bison in a field

FORT BELKNAP

A'ANININ NAKODA

A’aninin Nakoda

Fort Belknap

The Fort Belknap Reservation is home to two tribes, the Assiniboine, or Nakoda, and the Gros Ventre, who refer to themselves as A'aninin or "People of the White Clay." Combined enrollment is approximately 4,000.

Location

The combined reservation and additional tribal lands encompass 650,000 acres of the plains and grasslands of north-central Montana.

Economy

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the tribe are the major employers. The Little Rockies Meat Packing Company, Inc. is the first tribally owned, USDA-inspected meat packing facility in the U.S. The Reservation is working to develop tourism and marketing Native American artisans. The tribes manage a 300-head buffalo herd. Antelope, bird and gopher hunts are available; licenses and guides are required.

POINTS OF INTEREST

 

FORT BELKNAP COMMUNITY COLLEGE / AANIIIH NAKODA COLLEGE

Two-year associate's degrees in the Arts and Sciences are offered, along with one-year certificates. The Tribal Archives are located on campus, along with a student-built library.

MISSION CANYON/NATURAL BRIDGE

Popular attractions in this scenic area include the Natural Bridge, Wilson Park, Devil's Kitchen, and Needle Eye and Kid Curry's Hideout. Picnicking and camping available.

  • Location: south of Hays, MT

SAINT PAUL MISSION 

Established in 1887 by the Bureau of Catholic Missions, St. Paul's Mission Church now serves as a kindergarten through eighth grade school.

  • Address: 301 Mission St, Hays, MT 59527
  • Phone: 406.673.3300

FORT BELKNAP TOURISM OFFICE AND INFORMATION CENTER

The Information Center offers RV parking, showers and picnic grounds.

  • Address: US Rt. 2, Harlem, MT 59526
  • Phone: 406.673.3031
  • Fax: 406.353.2208

FORT BELKNAP INDIAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The Fort Belknap Indian Community Council is recognized as the governing body on the Fort Belknap Reservation. They are charged with the duty of protecting the health, security, and general welfare of the Fort Belknap Indian Community.