Northern Plains Niitsitapi*
Mysterious Pathways
Join us in a special journey through the land of the ancients walking softly in today’s fragile land.

Learn the Niitsitapi viewpoint from Blackfeet cultural historian Curly Bear Wagner.

Gain a new respect and insight into the Real People and their land and history as they know it.

Buffalo fighting.

The Past of the Niitsitapi
Since 1492, when Columbus arrived on the shores of North America, the story of the First Nations has been told from the European viewpoint. Once the European colonies--and later the United States--were founded, the voice of the Niitsipati continued to be silenced or distorted.

Since the Niitsitapi discovered the Corp of Discovery (the Lewis and Clark Expedition) on July 21, 1806, they have struggled to maintain their way of life, to avoid losing their languages, cultures, and histories as they know it.

History has been documented largely through archaeology and anthropology. Our people’s oral history and memories have not been listened to nor respected. Our people’s wealth of knowledge has been unheard and misunderstood or misrepresented during the past five hundred years.

Many believe the Niitsitapi are gone. We are not.

Today’s World
In recent years, the voice of the Niitsitapi has spoken loudly and clearly. Many changes have occurred in how our story is told. New laws have assisted to aid in restoring and returning our ancestors to their rightful homes from the storerooms of America’s Museums. Niitsitapi Cultural Consultants have assisted museums and educators in telling the story of the Real People.

Lodges on the reservation.

The Tour
Join Curly Bear in walking the pathways of Niitsitapi country from the days before the horse, the day of the horse, the Corps of Discovery, the end of the buffalo, early reservation days and, finally, to today’s Niitsitapi country.

In June and July, guests will arrive and/or meet at Great Falls International Airport in Great Falls, Montana. In August, guests will arrive and/or meet at the Kalispell Airport, Kalispell, Montana.

*Niitsitapi: The Real People in Blackfoot

To receive additional information
please contact: Vicki Privett