Glacier National Park has announced the Native America Speaks schedule for the 2016 season.
Now in its 32nd season, the Native America Speaks program provides park visitors the opportunity to hear from members of the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille Tribes as they share their knowledge of the language, history, and culture of Native America with park visitors throughout the summer.
Presentations are offered throughout the park almost daily through Sept. 9. All programs are free except for Blackfeet Singers and Dancers performances held on Wednesday evenings at the St. Mary Visitor Center Auditorium. Tickets go on sale the morning of the performance at the St. Mary Visitor Center Bookstore — $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
Tickets are also available at the door (cash only) prior to the beginning of the show, however, seating is limited. Proceeds help the Glacier National Park Conservancy’s generous support of the Native America Speaks program.
The Blackfeet Singers and Dancers, led by Joe McKay and Ray Croff, will provide insight into contemporary and traditional Native American history and culture through narration and fancy, jingle, traditional, and grass dance demonstrations. Jack Gladstone, a Native “PoetSinger” and lecturer from the Blackfeet Indian Nation of Montana, uses a blend of song and narrative to guide visitors through tribal stories, animal legends, and character portraits of Native American heritage. The program also features presentations by Darnell Rides At The Door, Robert Hall, Ernie Heavy Runner, and Kenneth Eagle Speaker.
All Native American interpretive programs offered at Glacier National Park are made possible through donations from the Glacier National Park Conservancy. For more information about the Native America Speaks program, including a schedule of events, please visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/nas.htm.