Indigenous Cultural Events

A note about terms

The term Native American is typically used in political and academic matters. When Native Americans refer to themselves and to personal matters, they might use Indian, American Indian, First American, First Peoples, or Indigenous Peoples instead of Native American.

 

 

For over 10,000 years before Yellowstone became a national park, it was a place where Native Americans lived, hunted, fished, gathered plants, quarried obsidian, and used thermal waters for religious and medicinal purposes. Today, there are at least 27 Tribes who have historic and modern connections to the lands and resources now found within the park.

Indigenous cultural events in Yellowstone:

Check the online calendar, NPS App, or at visitor centers for additional daily activities and events happening throughout the park.

 

Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center

May 25 - October 3, 2026 | Old Faithful area | View schedule of presenters

The Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center is a space where Indigenous artists, scholars, and presenters from the 27 Tribes associated with the park directly engage with visitors through formal and informal education. The center is a partnership between the National Park Service and Yellowstone Forever, with Indigenous consultation.

Presentations can include photography, beadwork, moccasin making, dancing, storytelling, sign language, flintknapping, and more! The Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center is centrally located in the Old Faithful area between the Old Faithful Lodge and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

 

Voices of Yellowstone: First Peoples Celebration

August 2-8, 2026 | Gardiner, Montana | View schedule of events

"Voices of Yellowstone: First Peoples Celebration" is a week-long event to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of Yellowstone - past, present, and future. Scheduled events include an opening ceremony and lighting of the teepees, guided cultural tours throughout Yellowstone (registration required), a native art market, musical guests, and a community potluck.

This event is hosted by Yellowstone Forever in partnership with Yellowstone National Park and in collaboration with the Pretty Shield Foundation, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, and Gardiner Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.

 

More Information

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  Photos of Indigenous Cultural Events

  View photos of Indigenous cultural events in Yellowstone National Park.

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  Tribal Affairs & Partnerships

  Yellowstone is the traditional shared homelands of many Tribal Nations whose traditions have shaped the landscape through generations.

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  History & Culture

  Explore the rich human and ecological stories that continue to unfold.

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  Things To Do

  From driving to horseback riding, and hiking to biking, explore all the different things there are to do in the park!

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  Plan Your Visit

  Yellowstone changes with the seasons—make the most of your visit! Plan ahead to keep your trip safe, fun, and unforgettable.