The celebration in Browning is always held the second week in July for four days.  It is an intriguing way to see authentic Blackfeet traditions.  Tipis are pitched on the powwow grounds for four days of contest dancing, games, a number of sports events and socializing.  Comprising one of the largest gatherings of United States and Canadian tribes, the celebration is an unforgettable experience.  Once you hear and feel the mystery of the drum, see the traditional and fancy dancing, and the many proud Native people, then you will begin to understand the Blackfeet.

North American Indian Days 2011 Poster
PDF ~ 7.6MB

North American Indian Days 2010 Poster
PDF ~ 2.9MB

North American Indian Days 2009 Poster
PDF ~ 9.3MB

North American Indian Days 2008 Poster
PDF ~ 2MB

North American Indian Days 2007 Poster

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Browning's Annual Community Celebration Day
Friday of North American Indian Days
July 12, 2013

Registration for these activities can be done at City Hall.  Call 406-338-2344, send an e-mail, write PO Box 469, Browning, MT 59417 or register in person at 124 2nd Avenue N.W.

Mayor’s Cup Walk/Race
Hosted by the Town of Browning and the Antelope Society
9:00 a.m. at City Park

Mayor’s Cup Walk/Race 1-mile walk 1-mile run 3-mile run 5-mile run

Age Brackets Male and Female 10 and under - $1.00 11-18 - $3.00 19-55 - $5.00 56 and over – $2.00

Prizes For all 1st placers, each category-event For all 2nd placers, each category-event For all 3rd placers, each category-event

Picnic Lunch Will be offered

Horse Shoe Tournament Singles and Doubles $10.00 single $25.00 team

Blackfeet Prayer

"Give wisdom and understanding to my leaders.  Protect my warriors and bring them back safe.  Give to the young, love and contentment.  Give health and long life to my old people, so that they may remain with us a long time.  Make my enemy brave and strong, so that if defeated, I will not be ashamed.  And give me knowledge, so I may have kindness for all.  And let me live each day, so when day is done, my prayers will not have been in vain."

Francis X. Guardipee, Big Lodge Pole

Blackfeet camps had a great number of painted tipis.  The designs and pictographic features conformed closely to one conventional style.  Each decorated tipi was associated with a specific bundle.

Great pride is taken in the ownership of a painted tipi because of the medicinal power of the bundle and importance placed on the owner, giving them an honorary position with the tribe.  Owners of these tipis acquired the design from a dream or vision.  These tipis were eligible to be transferred in a particular ceremony.

Acknowledged as one of the most powerful tribes in the American northwest, the Blackfeet, or Siksika, are a loose confederacy of three independent tribes presently living in Montana and Alberta, Canada.  The name originates from the distinctive black hue of the mossasins that were either painted that color or perhaps darkened by prairie fires.

Of an estimated 14,000 Blackfeet in the world today, approximately 8,600 live in Blackfeet Country.  The Town of Browning is the seat of the tribal government as well as the site of the annual North American Indian Days celebration in mid-July.

NAID 2010 Welcome to North American Indian Days 2010!

NAID 2009 Welcome to North American Indian Days 2009!

NAID 2008 Welcome to North American Indian Days 2008!

NAID 2007 Welcome to North American Indian Days 2007!

NAID 2006 Welcome to North American Indian Days 2006!

NAID 2005 Welcome to North American Indian Days 2005!

For more information please contact Blackfeet Country's Planning Department at 406-338-7406.