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ROCKY BOY'S INDIAN RESERVATION

THE PEOPLE Approximately 3,500 Chippewa Cree Tribal members live on Rocky Boy's Reservation with 1,500 tribal members living off the Reservation. The Chippewa Cree Tribe has maintained the traditional spiritual beliefs and cultural ceremonies/activities that have been part of the Tribal mores' since time immemorial. The traditional Thirst Dance, more commonly known as the Sun Dance, is held the first week of July. The annual Pow Wow Celebration is held the first week of August. Other cultural events are held throughout the year including the annual Christmas Dance, round dances, ceremonial feasts, revived cultural ceremonies, and cultural camps.

GOVERNANCE Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation was established by Executive Order on September 7, 1916 and was officially organized in 1934 through the Indian Reorganization Act. The Chippewa Cree Business Committee (Tribal Council) is the governing body of the Tribe. The eight (8) Council members and Chairman are elected at large; serving four years on staggered terms. The Tribe elected to 'compact' the Bureau of Indian Affairs (FY 93) and Indian Health Service (FY 94) programs under Title IV of the P.L. 93-638 Act. The historical Act allowed Tribes the opportunity to determine their priorities and to become truly self-governing and to exercise the inherent tribal sovereignty of the Chippewa Cree Nation. More than half of the U.S. federally recognized tribes have chosen the path of self-governance.

LOCATION Rocky Boy's Reservation is near the Canadian border, in northcentral Montana. Chief Rocky Boy had a spiritual vision whereby the present location of the reservation was where his people, the Chippewa Cree, were to make their homeland. Chief Rocky Boy, Chief Little Bear, Frank Linderman, and other influential non-Indians, worked tirelessly to obtain part of the abandoned Fort Assinboine, for the Chippewa Cree people where they would be free to practice their beliefs and have a permanent homeland after years of living a nomadic existence.

ECONOMY The Tribe, the Health Board, Stone Child College, the Housing Authority, Dry Forks Farms, Gaming, the Development Company, and the two Public Schools are the major employers for the Reservation residents. There are a number of farming/ranching and individual business owners.

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Four culturally significant areas that are located on the Reservation include: Baldy Butte, Haystack Butte, Centennial Mountain, and Square Butte.

  • The Lutheran Log Chapel, built in 1929, has been officially designated as a historical landmark.

  • Stone Child College is an accredited two-year Tribal college that serves approximately two hundred and fifty (250) students. Located on the Reservation, the college offers Associate Degrees in various disciplines.

    RECREATION

  • A tribally owned, fully operational 'Ski Bowl' offers one of the finest skiing experiences in Montana. Fishing (including ice fishing); hunting (both small and big game); hiking/snowmobiling; and camping are available. The majestic Bear Paw Mountains offer an incredible view of the Reservation and the surrounding plains.