There are approximately 56,000 Native Americans, representing 11 different tribes, living in Montana today (nearly 14 percent of the state’s total population). The majority live on reservations, which make up nine percent of Montana’s total land area.
Native Americans are often lumped together as “Indians,” with the assumption that one culture, language, and history link these people. However, the tribes that now live in Montana come from very different traditions, speak different languages, and have not always been friendly toward each other.