Ancestors follows Michigan tribal repatriation specialists working to return and rebury Indigenous human remains held in museums.

History, spirituality, and the law collide as the film explores the worldviews that justified collecting Indigenous ancestors in the first place. Featuring interviews with repatriation specialists, historians, and museum workers, the documentary traces the history of Indigenous burial ground desecration and pays tribute to the people working to bring their Ancestors home.

Join us for the Neighboring Nations Indigenous Arts and Culture Festival Vendor Market, featuring 30+ Indigenous vendors, artists, makers, and creatives.

Spend the afternoon shopping, discovering new creations, connecting with Indigenous entrepreneurs, enjoying live music, and hearing directly from Indigenous artists and storytellers.

Dylan Running Crane is a folk singer and songwriter from the Blackfeet Nation. Her songs weave interpersonal stories and ideals of liberation through lullaby melodies.

Dylan has been performing throughout Montana for the past four years, sharing music rooted in storytelling, reflection, and connection.

Remaining Native is a documentary told from the perspective of Ku Stevens, a 17-year-old Indigenous runner navigating his dream of becoming a collegiate athlete as the memory of his great-grandfather’s escape from an Indian boarding school begins to connect past, present, and future.

Following the film, guests are invited to stay for a 45-minute panel discussion offering an opportunity to hear more about the film, its themes, and the stories and perspectives connected to the work.

Hear directly from Indigenous language advocate Lanny Real Bird as part of the featured programming at the Vendor Market.

Vincent Bird is a rising artist out of the Flathead Reservation in Montana, where the land runs deep with stories, and so does his music.

An enrolled member of his tribe and a proud representative of “the last best place,” Vin weaves the raw spirit of the Rez into every track he drops.

Join us for a special screening of award-winning short films during the Neighboring Nations Indigenous Arts and Culture Festival.

This curated film program centers women and shares powerful stories rooted in our region, offering a meaningful look at Indigenous experiences, creativity, identity, and community.

Following the screening, guests are invited to stay for a panel discussion featuring Indigenous fashion designers. The conversation offers an opportunity to hear directly from the designers about their work, creative journeys, and perspectives on Indigenous fashion and design.

Featured Designers
Brocade Stops Black Eagle | Brocade (Crow-Mandan-Hidatsa)
Angela Howe | Chokecherry Creek Designs (Apsáalooke/Pikuni)
Bethany Yellowtail | B.YELLOWTAIL (Northern Cheyenne/Apsáalooke)

Spend Saturday night of the Neighboring Nations Indigenous Arts and Culture Festival with live music from Montana-based Indigenous artists Foreshadow and Zak James.

Foreshadow
Foreshadow (Shadow Devereaux) is a Salish and Blackfeet hip-hop artist, producer, and audio engineer from Dixon, Montana, on the Flathead Indian Reservation. A Native American Music Award winner, he uses hip-hop and storytelling to explore identity, resilience, family, struggle, and Native life.

With more than a decade of experience, his work includes contributing music to Bring Them Home and collaborating with artists, filmmakers, and musicians throughout Indian Country.

Zak James
Zak James is a Montana hip-hop/pop artist who proudly represents his Indigenous roots. Although separated from his Chippewa Cree Rocky Boy community through adoption and generational trauma, he has remained connected to culture through aunties, uncles, and Indigenous creatives.

His music uplifts, inspires, gets people dancing, and shares stories and perspectives that need to be heard. His goal is to help Indigenous culture remain strong for generations to come.

Bring Them Home tells the story of the Blackfoot people striving to re-establish wild buffalo on tribal land after 100 years of absence.

The film recounts efforts to restore buffalo, land, traditional culture, and bring healing to the Blackfeet community. Narrated and executive produced by Oscar nominee and Blackfeet/Nez Perce actor Lily Gladstone, the film has been an audience favorite at festivals.

Following the film, guests are invited to stay for a panel discussion exploring the stories, themes, and work reflected on screen.