YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Beginning on Sunday, August 3, Yellowstone Forever will host Voices of Yellowstone: First Peoples Celebration, a weeklong event that aims to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures of the Indigenous people of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) — past, present and future.

The event will take place from August 3 to 8, in Gardiner, Montana. The opening ceremony on Sunday evening will feature a blessing, a drum circle and remarks, kicking off a week of cultural immersion and community engagement.

Click here for a full schedule of events. Below is a list of event highlights:

  • Nightly lighting of the illuminated teepees and evening programs: At 8 p.m. each evening, the teepees will be illuminated, under the theme “The Lighting of Teepees: Coloring the World of Cultures,” and a featured Tribal speaker or musician will share stories, songs and cultural teachings.
  • Tribal Art Market: Located at the Yellowstone Forever headquarters, across from Arch Park, the market will feature arts and crafts for sale by Indigenous artists.
  • Native Games: On Wednesday, August 6, the International Traditional Games Society will host an evening of Native games at Arch Park. The traditional Indigenous games will offer fun and cultural insight for all ages.
  • Cultural Tours: Native American experts will lead tours throughout the week to provide deeper insights into aspects of Indigenous culture throughout YNP.
  • Community Potluck: Voices of Yellowstone will conclude on Friday, August 8, with a potluck hosted by the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.