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The celebration in Browning, Montana, 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.

Blackfeet camps contained a great number of painted tipis. The designs of a tipis 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 due to 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 tribal ceremony.

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

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