Local Resources
Tribal Nation Resources
Natural resource departments and restoration contacts for Montana's federally recognized Tribal Nations.
Montana is home to eight federally recognized Tribal Nations, each with its own governance, land base, and natural resource programs. Tribal lands cover approximately 5.5 million acres — nearly 6% of Montana’s total land area — and include some of the most ecologically intact landscapes remaining in the state.
EcoRestore Montana is committed to respectful, nation-to-nation partnership with tribal governments. The information below is offered as a starting point; any work on or adjacent to tribal lands should begin with direct consultation with the relevant tribal natural resource department.
Montana’s Federally Recognized Tribal Nations
Blackfeet Nation
Reservation: Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Browning, MT Land base: ~1.5 million acres, Rocky Mountain Front Natural Resources: Blackfeet Nation Department of Natural Resources
Crow Nation
Reservation: Crow Indian Reservation, Crow Agency, MT Land base: ~2.3 million acres, south-central Montana Natural Resources: Crow Tribe Water Quality Board; Land Use Department
Fort Belknap Indian Community (Gros Ventre & Assiniboine)
Reservation: Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Harlem, MT Land base: ~650,000 acres, north-central Montana Natural Resources: Fort Belknap Department of Natural Resources
Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes
Reservation: Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Poplar, MT Land base: ~2.1 million acres, northeast Montana Natural Resources: Fort Peck Tribes Department of Natural Resources
Little Shell Chippewa Tribe
Federal recognition: Recognized 2019 Landless Tribal Nation: No reservation land base; members throughout Montana
Northern Cheyenne Nation
Reservation: Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Lame Deer, MT Land base: ~444,000 acres, southeast Montana Natural Resources: Northern Cheyenne Tribal Land Department
Rocky Boy’s Chippewa-Cree Tribe
Reservation: Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Box Elder, MT Land base: ~108,000 acres, north-central Montana (Bear Paw Mountains) Natural Resources: Chippewa-Cree Natural Resources Department
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT)
Reservation: Flathead Indian Reservation, Pablo, MT Land base: ~1.3 million acres, northwest Montana Natural Resources: CSKT Natural Resources Department (one of the most active tribal natural resource departments in the US)
Tribal Colleges
Montana’s tribal colleges are important partners for natural resource and restoration education:
| College | Tribal Nation | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Blackfeet Community College | Blackfeet Nation | Browning |
| Chief Dull Knife College | Northern Cheyenne | Lame Deer |
| Fort Belknap College | Fort Belknap | Harlem |
| Fort Peck Community College | Fort Peck Tribes | Poplar |
| Little Big Horn College | Crow Nation | Crow Agency |
| Salish Kootenai College | CSKT | Pablo |
| Stone Child College | Chippewa-Cree | Box Elder |
This page will be expanded in partnership with tribal natural resource departments. If you have contacts or resources to contribute, please reach out.