Montana Commerce Grants $122K to Support Tribal Tourism

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce has awarded more than $122,000 in grant funding to three tribal governments in Montana to foster the development and expansion of tribal tourism assets and economies. This initiative, conducted under the Commerce’s Tribal Tourism Grant Program, aims to bolster the local tourism infrastructure to benefit both residents and visitors.

Mandy Rambo, the Acting Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, emphasized the program’s commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and local economic development. “Commerce’s Tribal Tourism Grant Program assists with the development or improvement of shovel-ready tourism industry projects such as niche product development, visitor facilities and venue upgrades and construction,” Rambo explained.

The grants are distributed as follows:

• Chippewa Cree Tribes of Rocky Boy’s receive $50,000 for the Rocky Boy Rodeo Enhancement Project in Box Elder.
• Fort Belknap Indian Community is granted $40,301 for repairs and upgrades to the Aaniih Nakoda Tours vacation rental property in Harlem.
• Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians receives $32,350 for the Little Shell Pow Wow Arbor vendor and venue additions on Mount Royal in Great Falls.

Shane Patacsil, project manager for the Chippewa Cree Tribes, acknowledges the transformative impact of prior funding from the TTG, specifically for the Pow Wow Arbor grounds. “Thanks to the $50,000 in TTG funding, we’ve transformed the Pow Wow Arbor grounds into a safer and more inviting space,” said Patacsil, noting the improvements not only enhance participant and spectator experiences but also bolster the ability to host community-oriented cultural events.

The program, which operates on a reimbursement system with a 50 percent tribal matching requirement, ensures that investments are sustained and mutually beneficial. For further details and to apply, visit commerce.mt.gov.