In an endeavor to spotlight and commemorate Montana's rich Native American heritage, the Gathering of Families event promises to unite members from diverse tribes, fostering an atmosphere of family-oriented enjoyment and cultural enrichment.

The Great Falls area has long been a gathering place for Native American tribes and families.

The event is organized by the Indigenous Traditional Games Society (ITGS), a non-profit organization based in Montana, dedicated to reviving the ancestral cultures and traditional games that once bound families together in pre-contact times.

Over the past 32 years, ITGS has conducted a series of engaging events across the northwestern regions of the United States and Canada.

The Gathering of Families serves as a vibrant testament to the enduring significance of Native American culture in Montana.

It encapsulates the essence of togetherness and the preservation of age-old traditions, promising attendees an opportunity to partake in a wide array of family-friendly activities and culturally enriching events.

It's not merely a gathering; it's a celebration of heritage, a reflection of unity, and a testament to the resilience of indigenous culture.

The “Gathering of Families” project/event came from our own research with Native youth and their families from 2018 – 2020, where they expressed a desire to see culturally relevant activities for themselves and their families on and off the tribal lands. It expanded to include all people because of the positive past visitor responses to Native events hosted by us and our partners. There is a need in our communities, to elevate Indigenous voices, inspire future leaders, carry on the cultural knowledge to bring together a community of all backgrounds through these events.