Service in Indian Country is an approach VISTA began in the old "War on Poverty." In recent years, CNCS has added a Strategic Advisor for Native American Affairs, who represents Native American issues at the national level. And, the Corporation has some direct funding programs for tribes. Some Montana Commission for Community Service projects also take place in Indian Country.
Tribal cultures and tribal issues are important in Montana. There are also issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination and other matters that make working in Indian Country and with urban Native Americans an important challenge for AmeriCorps members. Some non-Native Americans have the good fortune to learn the history and cultures of the tribes in Montana. In addition, they may also learn to understand the high stakes involved over tribal sovereignty and receive tips for working effectively with Native Americans.
Federally recognized tribes located in Montana
Blackfeet Nation:
PO Box 850
Browning, MT 59417
Chippewa Cree Tribe: (Rocky Boy)
Rocky Boy Route
Box Elder, MT 59521
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes: (Flathead)
P.O. Box 278
Pablo, MT 59885
Crow Tribal Council:
PO Box 159
Crow Agency, MT 59526
Fort Belknap Indian Community (Assiniboine and Gros Ventre):
RR1 Box 66
Harlem, MT 59526
Fort Peck Indian Community (Assiniboine and Sioux):
RR1 Box 66
Harlem, MT 59526
Northern Cheyenne:
PO Box 128
Lame Deer, MT 59043
However, you can name all the tribes that were grouped into the reservations listed above.
Doing that adds the Pend D'Oreille into the Flathead listing.
In addition to the federally recognized tribes, there is a tribal entity, the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, which is recognized by the State of Montana and which has petitioned for federal recognition. They are located in the Great Falls area.
Some links for information about tribes in Montana are http://indiannations.visitmt.com/ and http://montanatribes.org/
Most tribes have their own web sites.
There are also some important historical places to visit, such as places where clashes between Native Americans and US troops took place, like the location where Chief Joseph surrendered (near Chinook), where Battle of Little Bighorn took place, and many other sites. The Chief Joseph site still has native people who visit and leave tokens at the places where native people died.