Browning is the agency headquarters for the 1.5 million-acre Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana's largest Indian tribe. Although today the majority of the reservation Blackfeet live much like the residents of any western community, they have maintained many of their cultural traditions. Painted tipis, colorful feather headdresses and beaded deerskin costumes are used on special occasions such as the North American Indian Days celebration held each July. The resort communities of St. Mary and East Glacier Park are located nearby, on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park. The main attraction is the Museum of the Plains Indian, near the intersection of US Highways 2 and 89. The comprehensive collection of cultural artifacts and exhibits is professionally displayed. The museum gift shop features a wide variety authentic, contemporary Native American art and jewelry.
Bob Scriver Museum Montana Wildlife and Hall of Bronze, nationally known sculptor, is the owner and curator of the museum, which houses his combined love of wildlife, sculptured art in a studio that features, dioramas, 30 large John Fery oil paintings of Glacier National Park and Bob Scriver's original bronze sculptures. The Blackfeet Historic Site Tours feature a reflection of the rich and varied history of the Blackfeet people representing a unique crosssection of tribal life from prehistoric time to the present. Sites include: Sun Dance, Buffalo jumps, Tipi Rings, Old North Trail, Old Agency and the Starvation winter of 1883-84, Holy family mission, Meriwether Lewis meets the Blackfeet, Fort Shaw and Fort McLeod Road. Half day and full-day minibus tours are offered, personally guided by a Blackfeet interpreter. The tours start at the Museum of the Plains Indian and cover portions of the Blackfeet Nation with historic and cultural interest.
North American Indian Days are held behind the museum on the powwow grounds during the second week in July. The Heart Butte Indian Days are held in August.
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