New flag display in Student Union Building recognizes eight tribes of Montana

A new flag display installed in the Student Union Building at Montana Technological University will increase visibility of the eight federally recognized tribes of Montana. The display will be in place for Indigenous Peoples' Day on Oct. 14 and National Native American Heritage Month in November.

The display was made possible through the advocacy of The Montana Tech chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and their partners Western Native Voice and Butte Native Wellness Center.

Rylee Mitchell, a construction management senior from Great Falls, took pride in raising the flag of her tribe, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana.

 “These flags were donated by Western Native Voice, and it is a huge step forward in recognizing indigenous communities in Montana, and bringing more awareness of indigenous people to campus,” Mitchell said.

For Mitchell, being a part of campus is not only a triumph for her, but also for her family.

“My grandmother did not get the same opportunities I did to receive higher education,” Mitchell said. “My parents were not given the same opportunities of being here and being represented.”

AISES Vice President Aurora Beplate is an Occupational Safety and Health sophomore from Spokane, Washington who said the display is important to all students on campus.

 “We wanted to really represent tribal citizens of Montana,” Beplate said. “Even if you aren’t native, the University was built on the lands of those indigenous tribes.”

Beplate says AISES wants to establish more connections with each of Montana’s tribes. Hopefully, hanging the flag is just the beginning of growing a larger community of indigenous people at Montana Tech. Beplate believes non-indigenous students will appreciate the display too. Montana Tech acknowledges that the lands on which the University stand are a part of the ancient homeland and traditional territory of many indigenous tribes. The Niimiipuu (Nez Perce), Piikani (Blackfeet), Seliš (Salish), and Agai-deka (Shoshone) peoples are recognized as original stewards.

Beplate said the club is also thankful for the work of Program Manager of Outreach & Belonging Cheyenne Crooker, who played an instrumental part in making the flag display a reality. AISES is working with Crooker to bring more indigenous resources to campus.

A special indigenous-themed dish is planned for Indigenous Peoples Day through Campus Dining facilities. There is also an indigenous-themed t-shirt now for sale in the Campus Store that was designed by members of AISES.

Activities are still being planned for Native American Heritage Month. AISES is always seeking new student, faculty, and staff members. To join or inquire, reach out at AISES@mtech.edu.