News – Blackfeet Nation

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved October 3, 2024

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from September 5-20, 2024.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved September 5, 2024

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from August 20-29, 2024.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved August 26, 2024

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from May 2 – August 7, 2024.

Blackfeet and Chippewa Cree tribes awarded $60,000 to bolster cybersecurity

Two Montana tribes will receive about $60,000 to bolster cybersecurity. These grants are the first time the federal government has helped tribes with cyber defenses.

The Blackfeet Nation will receive nearly $39,000 and the Chippewa Cree of the Rocky Boy Reservation will get nearly $22,000.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved May 15, 2024

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from April 3-29, 2024.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Councilman Marvin Weatherwax Jr. Testifies Before Congress For Wastewater Infrastructure For The Blackfeet Tribe

On May 7, 2024, Councilman Marvin Weatherwax Jr. provided testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Budget Interior in support of funding wastewater infrastructure for the Blackfeet Tribe.

Hydraulic Model and Municipal, Rural and Industrial (MR&I) Master Plan

The Blackfeet Nation and the Blackfeet Water Department (BWD) are partnering with some of the most trusted and experienced engineers in the state of Montana, in order to study our existing water system and deliver crucial improvements.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved April 4, 2024

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from March 1-27, 2024.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved March 14, 2024

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from February 1-28, 2024.

Bureau of Reclamation, Blackfeet Tribe approve construction for water system

“The Bureau of Reclamation and the Blackfeet Tribe agreed on a $2.2 million contract for the first face of construction on a Municipal, Rural and Industrial System (MR&I).

The project will focus on the Heart Butte Water Tank and aims to bolster water access and distribution in tribal lands.”

Survey for Public Comment: Community Views on Alcohol Sales on the Blackfeet Reservation

Complete a survey for public comment regarding issues surrounding Blackfeet Tribal Ordinance #73, the Regulation and Control of Liquor.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved February 8, 2024

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from January 8-31, 2024.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved January 18, 2024

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from December 7-20, 2023.

Statement From the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council | January 18, 2024

“The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council has authorized the release of the most up-to-date information regarding land purchases under the Blackfeet Water Settlement. This statement addresses the false and negative propaganda on social media regarding spending and Tribal assets.”

Water emergency declared in Browning by Blackfeet Tribe

“The leadership trusts the director of water and employees with their job and would like to thank everybody that had a hand in working together for the community,” Councilman Everett Armstrong said. “Preventative measures are and will be looked at to ensure safety for the future.”

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved December 7, 2023

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from November 2 – 29, 2023.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved November 2nd, 2023

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from October 5 – October 26, 2023.

Crow and Blackfeet Tribes to Receive New Funding for Water Settlement

The US Department of Interior announced that more than $326 million will be invested to keep fulfilling agreements. That will total out to $36 million for the Blackfeet water rights settlement.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved October 5th, 2023

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from September 6th – September 25th, 2023.

Roundup: Blackfeet Nation Badger-Two Medicine Court Settlement Coverage

Summary of Coverage regarding the Badger-Two Medicine Court Settlement.

Blackfeet Nation Statement on Badger-Two Medicine Court Settlement

BROWNING, Mont.— On September 1, 2023, The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council released the following statement on the Badger-Two Medicine court settlement.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved September 7th, 2023

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from July 5 – August 22, 2023.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved August 22, 2023

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from June 5 – June 28.

Cody Carlson take the championship heat at Indian Relay 2023

Watch the video: Two Medicine ridden by Cody Carlson rallied on the final exchange to regain the lead in the Muckleshoot Gold Cup and take the championship heat.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved July 19, 2023

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from May 9 – May 26.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Minutes | Approved June 21, 2023

Read the approved minutes from Blackfeet Tribal Business Council sessions from April 6 – May 4.

DOJ allocates $45 million to Blackfeet in water settlement

This latest portion of funding will enable the Tribe and their non-Native neighbors to access long-promised water resources that are critical for quality of life and economic development.

Bill introduced to revise appropriations in Blackfeet Water Compact

Signed in 2016 by President Barack Obama, the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act allocated $471 million in federal funding for improvements to watersheds and job creation for members of the Blackfeet Nation.

Blackfeet Nation begins implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Plan

The Blackfeet Climate Adaptation Plan includes 8 planning sectors, including: agriculture, cultural resources and traditions, fish, forestry, human health, land and range, water, and wildlife.

Election Results for Blackfeet Primary Election (June 7, 2022)

Blackfeet lifts mask mandate, opens tribal offices

PUBLIC NOTICE – MARCH 14, 2022 Per the consensus of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and Blackfeet Incident Commander, the Mask Mandate shall be optional on the Blackfeet Reservation pursuant to the CDC recommendations effective March 15, 2022. All tribal offices and programs will be opened to the public effective March 15, 2022. Mask wearing […]

NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THE BLACKFEET CIVIL COMMITMENT CODE & THE BLACKFEET DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CODE BY FEB 15, 2022

The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council has taken action to amend two areas of the Blackfeet Law and Order Code: The Blackfeet Tribal Business council acknowledges the dire need to ensure that public service are made available to address the mental health and substance abuse needs of the Blackfeet Community. In order to appropriately provide protective […]

FCC Applications

On November 2, 2021, The Blackfeet Tribe, applicant for a new noncommercial educational FM station on 89.7 MHz at Browning, Montana, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for a new construction permit. Members of the public wishing to view this application or obtain information about how to file comments and petitions on the […]

Official Arrangements for Chief Earl Old Person

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 2:00pm – Chief Earl Old Person will be arriving home to the Blackfeet Nation. He will be brought to the Blackfeet Tribal Conference Room Chambers where a walk through viewing will take place. Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 4:00pm – Chief Earl Old Person will be escorted to the Browning […]

Longtime Chief & Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribe passes away at 92

PRESS RELEASE – OCTOBER 13, 2021 Longtime Chief & Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribe passes away at 92 Browning, MT – Earl Old Person, the longest serving elected tribal official in the U.S., passed away today at Blackfeet Community Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Earl was elected to the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council […]

Latest CDC Guidelines for Quarantine and Isolation

Here are the latest CDC guidelines for Quarantine and Isolation. You quarantine when you might have been exposed to the virus. You isolate when you have been infected with the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms. For Unvaccinated People: Quarantine: Quarantine if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a […]

Blackfeet reissues COVID-19 mandates as cases rise on Reservation

UPDATED EMERGENCY PUBLIC NOTICE – MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 – 3:15 P.M. The Blackfeet Reservation is currently experiencing an increased number of COVID-19 cases at this time. The following orders are issued by the Blackfeet Incident Command Team: 1. A mandatory mask mandate for the Blackfeet Reservation effective immediately. All businesses and individuals shall be notified. […]

Blackfeet Care Center

PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE BLACKFEET CARE CENTER – JULY 9, 2021: Due to the rise in active COVID-19 cases on the Blackfeet Reservation, per the Medical Director, the Blackfeet Care Center will be on 30 day lockdown effective today, July 9, 2021, for the safety of all residents. There will be no visitors allowed during […]

Blackfeet Update: COVID-19 Cases

As of June 23, 2021, the Blackfeet reservation has had 0 active COVID-19 cases for 23 straight days.

Covid deaths ravaged this Native American Tribe. Now, 98% of eligible citizens are vaccinated.

Covid deaths ravaged this Native American Tribe. Now, 98% of eligible citizens are vaccinated. Click here to learn more.

Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services Public Notice

COVID Data Tracker

Native Mental Health Awareness

Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services

Q&A Pfizer Vaccine Session Canceled

Mask Mandate Update

PUBLIC NOTICE – MAY 19, 2021 The CDC has made a recommendation for masks to be lifted in accordance with local health officials. For the safety of those who are not vaccinated, especially the children, the Blackfeet Tribe will continue to follow the mask mandate until further notice.

Protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect your elders.

Is it Seasonal Allergies, or Is it COVID-19?

Search for Leo Wagner will be scaled back, Blackfeet Fish & Wildlife will continue search

PRESS RELEASE – SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 – 1:30 P.M. Browning, MT – The search & recovery efforts for 26 year old Leo Wagner will begin to be scaled back on Monday, May 10, 2021, according to Incident Commander KWebb Galbreath. Blackfeet Fish & Wildlife will continue to search the area. Leo has been missing […]

Blackfeet Clean-Up Week – May 10-17

PUBLIC NOTICE – MAY 6, 2021 BLACKFEET RESERVATION CLEAN-UP WEEK 2021 – MAY 10-17, 2021 Blackfeet Solid Waste Free Dumping Hours Monday to Friday – 8:30 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Outlying Communities Monday: Babb 2 Cans Tuesday: Seville 2 Cans Wednesday: HB 2 Cans Thursday: East Glacier & Blackfoot 2 […]

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council – Arden Pepion and Leo Wagner Search Update

Blackfeet Reservation Reverting Back to Phase 2

PRESS RELEASE – SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

PRESS RELEASE – SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 – 3:45 P.M. Browning, MT – The search & rescue for 3 year old Arden Pepion has now become a search & recovery, according to the Blackfeet Joint Incident Command. Based on the elements and duration of time that has passed since she was last seen we have […]

Search and Rescue Mission on the Blackfeet Reservation

Blackfoot Confederacy Gifts Surplus COVID-19 Vaccines at the Medicine Line

Job Opportunities Event – April 13 at Blackfeet Manpower Building (12-4 pm)

CDC: Blackfeet Nation’s Use of Stay-at-Home Orders and Mask Mandates Helped Control COVID-19 Transmission

Vaccine Clinic – Pondera County Health Department

COVID-19 California Variant Detected in Montana

March 17th Press Release: Glacier National Park East Entrance Opening

PUBLIC NOTICE: COVID-19 Vaccine Availability Update

Virtual One-Year Commemoration of the COVID-19 Pandemic on March 15

Press Release: Blackfeet to move into COVID-19 Phase 3 starting March 15

For Immediate Release—March 10, 2021 Blackfeet to move into COVID-19 Phase 3 starting March 15 Browning, MT – The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, after consultation with local health officials and Incident Command team, has approved the Blackfeet Reservation to move into COVID-19 Phase 3 titled “New Normal” beginning, Monday, March 15, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. […]

NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON BLACKFEET WATER CODE BY APRIL 10, 2021

The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council has taken action to amend the Blackfeet Water Code (Resolution 211-2021) as a part of the Tribe’s obligation to implement the provisions of the Blackfeet Water Rights Compact and Settlement Act. The amendment repeals and replaces Ordinance 62 adopted on May 15, 1980 and re-adopted on July 12, 1988. The […]

COVID-19 vaccine for patients 18 years and older starts March 2

Southern Peigan Health Center Announcement : Walk-in Vaccine Clinic Info

Walk in vaccine clinic: March 2, 2021! Eagle Shields Center starting at 9 AM Must be 18 years old and older! If you are in isolation or quarantine please finish out your time. Then call us, 338-7912! You will fill out a questionnaire and receive your Covid-19 injection! Bring your family, a friend, pass the […]

Blackfeet Reservation Vaccinations near 50%

Free COVID Testing March 4

On Thursday, March 4, 2021, There will be free COVOID Testing at the Old Eagle Shields in Browning, MT. Incentives will be given out! For questions, call 338-4624 or 338-4724 .

Heart Butte Clinic – Phone Number Update

Until further notice, please use the following phone number to contact the Heart Butte Clinic: (406) 450-3543

Press Release – Mask Mandate Update

PRESS RELEASE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021 Browning, MT – On Friday, February 12, 2021, Governor Greg Gianforte has stated he will lift the statewide mask mandate. While the Blackfeet Reservation is located in northwest Montana, the following is a statement from the tribe regarding masks: “The Blackfeet Reservation is a sovereign nation and will continue […]

Blackfeet Reservation will continue mandatory mask mandate

PRESS RELEASE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021 Browning, MT – On Friday, February 12, 2021, Governor Greg Gianforte has stated he will lift the statewide mask mandate. While the Blackfeet Reservation is located in northwest Montana, the following is a statement from the tribe regarding masks: “The Blackfeet Reservation is a sovereign nation and will continue […]

PUBLIC NOTICE – FEBRUARY 10, 2021

The Incident Command is now under the Emergency Winter Plan effective February 10, 2021. If you need emergency wood (completely out and it’s your only source of heat) you will be priority and if you need food, please contact Emergency Dispatch at 338-2946 or 338-2231. If you need shelter, contact Crystal Creek at 338-6330. All […]

Phase and Vaccine Plan Updates

Public Notice – Blackfeet Nation Moves to COVID-19 Phase 2

Public Notice – Blackfeet Tribal Business Council & Blackfeet Incident Command Team

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE 1/5/2021

Following the CDC ACIP interim recommendation for groups to be vaccinated in Phase 1b, Blackfeet Community Hospital will offer the COVID-19 vaccine to persons age 75 years and older. Please watch for future vaccine phase updates. Vaccination will take place at Blackfeet Community Hospital on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, from 8:00AM-4:30PM. You will be contacted […]

COVID-19 restrictions remain in place as numbers rise in Blackfeet Country

Ordinance 121 and Stay at Home Orders Extended

The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, on December 29, 2020, by resolution, has extended Tribal Ordinance 121 until September 30, 2021. The Blackfeet Incident Command has extended the Stay At Home Order until January 14, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EXPLAINING THE EXTENSION: There seems to be confusion on the extension of Tribal Ordinance 121. This […]

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Following the CDC ACIP interim recommendation for groups to be vaccinated, Blackfeet Community Hospital will offer the COVID-19 vaccine to those persons 75 years and older (phase 1b). Vaccination will take place at Blackfeet Community Hospital on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, from 8:00AM-4:30PM. You will be contacted by Blackfeet Community Hospital with your appointment time […]

Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccine distribution

Here is a quick guide to understanding how the vaccine will be given and to who. There are limited amounts available and the manufacturers are working very hard to get the vaccine out to everyone. Indian Health Services across the country have received limited amounts. The CDC has set guidelines on who will receive the […]

COVID-19 Vaccine information

COVID‐19 Vaccine – 12/23/2020 IHS Blackfeet Service Unit Food and Drug Administration issued the second emergency use authorization to Moderna COVID‐19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years of age and older. The Indian Health Service received 22,425 doses of Pfizer and 46,000 doses of Moderna. In the first […]

Blackfeet Tribe preparing for Christmas dinner delivery starting Dec. 12

PUBLIC NOTICE – DECEMBER 4, 2020 The Blackfeet Tribe is preparing for the Christmas Dinner delivery, hams with all the trimmings and also including toys for tots, beginning December 12, 2020. All those who need delivery, include: Elderly, sick, handicapped, homebound, quarantined, isolated, and those without transportation. You may begin calling the COVID-19 Dispatch at […]

Blackfeet Tribe approves $75 payment to all tribal members

PUBLIC NOTICE – DECEMBER 3, 2020 The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council has approved a per-capita payment in the amount of $75.00 to all tribal members. Due to COVID-19, all checks will be mailed beginning Monday, December 7, 2020 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Blackfeet Tribe.

Stay at Home Order extended to Dec. 20

PUBLIC NOTICE – DECEMBER 3, 2020 Per the Incident Command & BTBC, the Stay at Home Order has been extended until December 20, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Only essential travel is allowed (medical & groceries). Masks are required on the Blackfeet Reservation. Follow the CDC guidelines of social distancing, washing your hands/using hand sanitizer, remaining […]

Blackfeet honors tribal members lost to COVID-19

Blackfeet business owners can apply for COVID relief grants

Temporary homeless shelter at the Crystal Creek Lodge

PUBLIC NOTICE – NOVEMBER 15, 2020: The Blackfeet Tribe has implemented a temporary homeless shelter at the Crystal Creek Lodge. Individuals may present themselves at the door and will be given the details for their stay. Please contact Crystal Creek Lodge at (406) 338-6330 for more information.

Clarification: Public notice regarding Tribal directors and assistants returning to work

PUBLIC NOTICE – NOVEMBER 15, 2020: The Blackfeet Tribe would like to clarify the public notice regarding directors. As stated in the notice, the Tribal Offices/Departments are not opening to the public. In consultation with the Tribe’s Public Health Officials, it has been deemed safe to bring the Directors and their administrative assistants back to […]

ANNOUNCEMENT: Tribal Directors and their Assistants to return to work on Nov. 16

PUBLIC NOTICE – NOVEMBER 15, 2020: The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council has asked all Tribal directors & their assistants to return to work on Monday, November 16, 2020. The Tribal offices/departments will remain closed to the public but this will allow business to be conducted virtually through phone, email, or fax. An updated tribal directory […]

Stay At Home Order Extended to November 22

PUBLIC NOTICE—NOVEMBER 5, 2020: The Stay At Home Order has been extended until Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Voting information

Blackfeet Tribe Halloween Guidance and Activity Schedule

Blackfeet Nation Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

October 23, 2020 Due to the extended STAY AT HOME ORDER issued by the BTBC, LIHEAP will continue to be closed to the public. You may pick up an application at the following places: Browning – Glacier Electric Cut Bank – Glacier Electric East Glacier – Post Office Babb – Fire Hall Heart Butte-Mini Store […]

Blackfeet negotiates Heart Butte voting location with Pondera County following lawsuit

Press Release Credit: Native American Rights Fund October 14, 2020 Three days after the Blackfeet Nation brought a federal lawsuit against Pondera County arguing that the county was violating the voting rights of tribal members, Pondera County has agreed to make changes to make voting more accessible. As part of the settlement, Pondera County agreed […]

Extended Stay at Home/Quarantine Orders for Blackfeet Reservation: SEPT. 28 – OCT. 25, 2020

EXPIRES AT 11:59 P.M. ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020 1. BLACKFEET TRIBAL OFFICES CLOSURE. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council hereby closes all tribal programs as directed under the attached List and memos issued by the Blackfeet Personnel Department. (Amended to remain closed until October 25, 2020 per Resolution 08-2021 Tribal Offices Only) 2. STAY AT […]

Tribal rifle hunting season opens Oct. 10 and ends Dec. 20, 2020.

The tribal rifle hunting season opens on Saturday October 10th and ends on December 20, 2020. Hunters are encouraged to obtain their hunting licenses online at blackfeetfishandwildlife.net Once hunters buy their licenses they can call our office at (406) 338-7207 to arrange a time to pick up their kill tags. Hunters without access to a […]

Blackfeet authorizes 14-day mandatory shut down of entire reservation due to Covid-19

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 – 3:00 P.M. PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE BLACKFEET TRIBAL BUSINESS COUNCIL Due to the rising numbers of active COVID-19 cases on the Blackfeet Reservation, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, in an emergency meeting today, authorized a 14 day mandatory shut down of the entire reservation beginning Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 11:59 […]

COVID-19 Supplemental Services checks will be mailed due to safety concerns

PUBLIC NOTICE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2020: Due to health & safety concerns, all COVID-19 Supplemental Services checks will be mailed. There will not be any in person distribution. Remember, there is a 3-4 week turn around for a check to be processed. If you need to correct your address or have other questions, please contact […]

Blackfeet Tribe ready to distribute $7 million to tribal members in COVID-19 financial assistance

For Immediate Release—August 28, 2020 Blackfeet Tribe ready to distribute $7 million to tribal members in COVID-19 financial assistance Tribe launches online application and to provide drive-thru support Browning, MT—The Blackfeet Nation is now accepting applications from tribal members for a one-time $500 stipend for those who have experienced hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. […]

Blackfeet Tribe approves COVID-19 Supportive Services Supplement Payment for tribal members

COVID-19 Testing Locations and Times (July 7 – 11)

Tuesday, July 7 – Heart Butte Location: Heart Butte School Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 – Browning (Glacier County DES will be on site) Location: The old eagle shield Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 9 – Browning Location: The old eagle shield Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 10 – Browning Location: The […]