Crow Tribe of Montana

The Crow Tribe of Montana, a vibrant and historically significant Native American nation, holds a unique place in the tapestry of the Great Plains. Federally recognized, the tribe’s history is interwoven with the vast landscapes of Montana, Wyoming, and neighboring states, marked by both resilience and adaptation. This article delves into the rich heritage, cultural traditions, and contemporary realities of the Crow Tribe of Montana, offering a comprehensive overview of their past, present, and future.

A Branch from the Hidatsa: Origins and Migrations

The ancestral roots of the Crow people trace back to the Hidatsa tribe, a Siouan-speaking group originally residing near the headwaters of the Mississippi River, potentially in present-day Minnesota or Wisconsin. Some historians suggest a connection to the Winnipeg area of Manitoba, Canada. Around the 1400s, a pivotal moment occurred: a divergence from the Hidatsa that ultimately shaped the identity of the Crow. This separation is attributed to a quest for the "Sacred Tobacco Plant," a vision experienced by No Vitals, a significant figure in Crow oral history.

Driven by this vision, No Vitals led a band of followers westward, embarking on two arduous journeys. The first odyssey took them to the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies and as far south as the upper reaches of the Arkansas River. Although unsuccessful in finding the sacred tobacco, the journey left an indelible mark on the Crow collective memory, reflected in their lullabies about the mountains of Glacier Park.

The second odyssey proved fruitful. The sacred wild tobacco (Nicotiana multivalvis and N. quadrivalvis) was discovered in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. This discovery led to the relocation of No Vitals and his followers to the valleys of the Bighorn and Yellowstone Rivers, establishing their presence on the Northern Plains.

Divisions and Alternate Names: Reflecting a Diverse Heritage

Once established in their new territory, the Crow people diversified into distinct groups, each adapting to specific environments and lifestyles. These divisions are reflected in the tribe’s alternate names:

Mountain Crow (Awashe/Ashalaho/Awaxaawaxammilaxpaake): Also known as "Many Lodges" or "Mountain People," they frequented the area of the Upper Yellowstone River and the Bighorn Mountains.
River Crow (Biiluke/Binneessiippeele/Ashshipite): These Crows inhabited the territory along the Musselshell and Yellowstone Rivers south of the Missouri River, earning the name "Those Who Live Amongst the River Banks" or "The Black Lodges."
Kicked in the Bellies (Apsáalooke/Eelalapito/Ammitaalasshe): This group frequented the area now known as the Bighorn Basin in northern Wyoming. The name "Kicked in the Bellies" refers to an early encounter with the horse, a transformative event in Plains Indian culture.

The term "Crow" itself has an interesting origin. When questioned by French-speaking Europeans about their name, the Crow described themselves as "Children of the big-beaked bird," referring to the eagle. However, during a buffalo hunt, the abundance of crows scavenging for carrion led the French to mistakenly associate the tribe with the crow, thus giving them the name gens de corbeaux (People of the Crow). The French also referred to them as beaux hommes, meaning "handsome men."

Traditional Territory and Lifestyle: Adapting to the Plains

The Crow’s traditional territory encompassed a vast expanse of the Northern Plains in Montana and Wyoming, defined by the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. Transitioning from semi-nomadic hunters and farmers in the northeastern woodland, they embraced the nomadic lifestyle of the Plains Indians, becoming skilled hunters and gatherers, with the bison playing a central role in their sustenance.

The Crow’s proficiency with horses was legendary. They were considered among the most accomplished horsemen of the Northern Plains, rivaled only by the Comanches. Their mastery of horsemanship allowed them to travel swiftly across the landscape, hunt effectively, and engage in trade and warfare.

Treaties, Reservations, and Land Loss: A History of Negotiation and Change

The Crow Tribe engaged in treaty negotiations with the United States government, signing agreements in 1825, 1851, and 1868. These treaties defined the boundaries of the Crow Reservation, initially encompassing a vast territory. However, subsequent land sales significantly reduced the reservation’s size, leading to a "checkerboarded" landscape with interspersed Indian and non-Indian lands.

Today, the Crow Reservation spans approximately 2.2 million acres, making it one of the largest reservations in the United States. The tribal headquarters is located in Crow Agency, Montana, a town steeped in history and culture. The Crow Reservation is also located a few miles from the site of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, a pivotal event in the history of the American West.

Governance and Contemporary Life: Navigating the 21st Century

The Crow Tribe operates under a constitution approved in 2001, establishing a system of governance with elected officials and a legislative branch. The Tribal Council consists of the Executive Branch of Government and the Legislative Branch of Government. The Executive Branch includes a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Vice-Secretary, elected by qualified voters for four-year terms. The Legislative Branch comprises three members from each of the six established districts within the Crow Reservation.

The Crow Tribe of Montana faces contemporary challenges, including unemployment and poverty. The tribe’s economy is rooted in its land resources, supporting livestock operations and offering potential for renewable and non-renewable resource development.

Culture, Traditions, and Spirituality: Preserving a Living Heritage

The Crow Tribe of Montana is deeply committed to preserving its cultural heritage. The Crow language, classified as Siouan, remains a vital part of tribal identity. Efforts are underway to revitalize and promote the language, ensuring its transmission to future generations.

Traditional ceremonies, dances, and art forms continue to thrive. The Crow Fair and All Indian Rodeo, held annually in August, is a vibrant celebration of Crow culture, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. Known as the "Tipi Capital of the World," the Crow Fair features traditional parades, horse races, rodeos, and cultural ceremonies.

The Crow’s spiritual beliefs are intertwined with their connection to the land and their ancestral traditions. The Tobacco Ceremony, originating from No Vitals’s vision, remains a central ritual. Other important aspects of Crow spirituality include the Vision Quest, the Sun Dance (adopted from the Shoshone), and the use of medicine bundles and shields.

Apsáalooke Clan System

The Apsáalooke/Crow People are known today for the strength of their Apsáalooke ammaalaátuua, (Crow writing system) and clan system. The Crow Indian language is a part of the greater Siouan language family. The Apsáalooke Ashammaláxxiia, Clan System still consists of several active clans today.

Little Bighorn Community College

In 1980, the Crow Tribe of Montana founded the Little Bighorn Community College to offer associate degrees for their young population. They enroll about 330 students a year. The college is home to the Apsaalooke Tours program, which provides area tours and group presentations. The college offers associate’s degrees in eight areas.