After centuries of trauma, Montana’s Blackfeet Nation turns to an old friend for food sovereignty: bison

Local non-profits and schools are helping students explore traditional practices paired with modern science to make food sovereignty a reality

The Blackfeet Nation is a remote and rugged landscape on the windswept plains of northern Montana. While rich in resources, the remote location and management by the federal government have made food access a challenge here.

Only four grocery stores serve the entire reservation. Fresh, healthy produce and meat options are often limited at these stores, and prices are higher than in neighboring communities, making access difficult for low–income families. Instead, highly processed foods, rich in sugars, carbohydrates and fat make up the bulk of the food choices.