Red Bottom Celebration

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) encountered the Assiniboine during their journey through the northern Great Plains. The Assiniboine are a Siouan-speaking people who traditionally inhabited the northern plains regions of present-day Montana, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Every June, the Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Montana comes alive with the vibrant sounds and colors of the Red Bottom Celebration, an annual powwow hosted by the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Held in Frazer, this cultural event is a tribute to the enduring traditions and rich heritage of the Native American tribes in the region. The Red Bottom Celebration has been an annual powwow for over 100 years, celebrating native culture and traditions through dancing, food, crafts and fellowship of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes on the Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Montana.

This celebration is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Tribes and serves as a time for community members to come together to honor their traditions, history and spirituality. The Red Bottom Celebration typically includes traditional dancing, drumming, singing and storytelling. It may also feature competitions, games, arts and crafts vendors and traditional food.

The name “Red Bottom” likely refers to the red earth found in the region, which holds cultural significance for the Assiniboine and Sioux Peoples.

Celebrations like the Red Bottom Celebration play a vital role in preserving and revitalizing the cultural heritage of Native American communities. They provide opportunities for intergenerational learning, strengthening community bonds and sharing traditions with the wider public.

Accommodations can be found in nearby towns such as Wolf Point and Glasgow. An Amtrak station in Wolf Point is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Frazer. The nearest airport is Billings Logan International Airport, approximately 250 miles southwest of Frazer. While in the area, visitors can explore the nearby Fort Peck Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, offering opportunities for boating, fishing and camping.