This presentation celebrates the vibrant legacy and enduring spirit of Montana’s Indigenous peoples. Buck Hitswithastick will embark on a journey through the multifaceted history and culture of Montana’s Native communities, spanning from ancient times to the present. By highlighting pivotal figures and moments, he confronts the historical shadows of racism that have affected Montana’s First Nations. Hitswithastick delves into the policies and practices that have marginalized Native Americans, including forced displacement, the era of boarding schools, and the impact of blood quantum requirements. Furthermore, he will explore how these historical factors continue to impact Native American communities.

Funding for Montana Conversations is provided by Humanities Montana through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities United We Stand Initiative, Montana’s Cultural Trust, and private donations. We are funded in part by coal severance taxes paid based upon coal mined in Montana and deposited in Montana’s cultural and aesthetic projects trust fund.