Yellowstone Forever contact: Kim Yablonski, (406) 848-8020, [email protected]

YELLOWSTONE FOREVER MEDIA RELEASE

Gardiner, Montana — Voices of Yellowstone: First Peoples Celebration will take place August 3-8, 2025, in Gardiner, Montana. This multi-day event, 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, aims to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of Yellowstone—past, present, and future.

The event will commence on the evening of Sunday, August 3, with an opening ceremony featuring a blessing, drum circle, and remarks, marking a week filled with cultural immersion and community engagement.

Event Highlights:

• Evening Programs at the Illuminated Teepees: The Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council will host the Illuminated Teepees, with this year’s theme, The Lighting of Teepees: Coloring the World of Cultures. Beginning at 8 p.m. each evening, a featured Tribal speaker or musician will gather at the teepees to share stories, songs, and cultural teachings with the community. These nightly programs provide a powerful opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous voices.
• Cultural Demonstrations: Teepees will be set up at Arch Park, where Tribal cultural demonstrators will share their traditions and knowledge throughout the week.
• Tribal Art Market: Located at the Yellowstone Forever headquarters (across from Arch Park), the market will feature a variety of arts and crafts for sale, showcasing the talent and creativity of Indigenous artists.
• Native Games: On Wednesday, August 6, the International Traditional Games Society will host an evening of Native Games at Arch Park. Open to all ages, this interactive event will highlight traditional Indigenous games, offering both fun and cultural insight.
• Cultural Tours: Throughout the week, cultural tours led by Native American experts will provide deeper insights into various aspects of Indigenous culture throughout Yellowstone National Park.
• Community Potluck: The event will conclude the evening of Friday, August 8, with a community potluck hosted by the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, fostering a spirit of sharing and togetherness.

Yellowstone Forever is excited to host this celebration, offering an opportunity for all to learn, appreciate, and engage with the vibrant cultures of the First Peoples of Yellowstone. For more information and a detailed schedule of events, please visit Voices of Yellowstone.

For images of the 2024 Voices of Yellowstone event, please see our Flickr album.

About Yellowstone Forever: Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. We protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy.