Milk River Indian Days

In the winter of 1804-1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition learned about the Assiniboine while staying with the Mandan and Hidatsa in what is now North Dakota. Though the Corps of Discovery didn’t have direct contact with the Assiniboine, they were aware of their important role in regional trade, particularly as intermediaries in the fur trade between European traders and other Indigenous nations.

Each summer, the town of Fort Belknap, Montana, hosts the Milk River Indian Days, a vibrant celebration celebration rooted in the cultural heritage of the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes. Held in late July, this three-day powwow has been a cherished tradition for over 50 years, bringing together participants and spectators from across the region for a weekend of dance, music, and community.

The Milk River Indian Days occur at the Fort Belknap Reservation, home to the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Tribes. The powwow grounds, set against the sweeping vistas of Montana’s plains and the nearby Bear Paw Mountains, offer a scenic backdrop for the festivities. The powwow dazzles attendees with spirited dancers adorned in colorful regalia and the rhythmic beats of traditional drummers. This gathering serves not only as a showcase of Native American culture but also as a unifying force, bringing together community members and visitors in a shared celebration of identity and heritage.

The Annual Milk River Indian Days celebration will take place from July 25 to 28, 2024, with the youth powwow kicking off the festivities on Thursday, July 25.

Organizers reintroduce special contests to demonstrate a commitment to continually enriching the event experience, fostering an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie among participants. Through dance, music, and various cultural activities, Milk River Indian Days stands as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Indigenous traditions, ensuring their preservation and celebration for generations to come.

Visitors to the Milk River Indian Days will find a range of accommodations in Harlem and the nearby town of Havre, about 45 miles west. Nearby attractions include the Missouri River Breaks National Monument, about 80 miles to the south, where visitors can explore rugged landscapes and rich wildlife. The Little Rocky Mountains, approximately 50 miles away, offer hiking and vistas of the Montana wilderness.

Great Falls International Airport is the nearest airport, 180 miles southwest of Harlem. The nearest Amtrak station is in Havre, 45 miles to the west, for those preferring to travel by train.