Indigenous Business

The story of five businesses working under the Native American Made in Montana program. A production by the University of Montana School of Journalism.

“Indigenous Business,” explores five unique Native American Made in Montana businesses in Western Montana. From candles to stir-fry, basket weaving to fish keeping, Native American business owners find ways to channel culture and heritage into trades that sustain themselves, their tribes, and their families. These stories document the resilience, creativity, and passion of Indigenous business owners. 

The state of Montana has a vast history of Native American heritage, and with twelve tribes and seven reservations in the state, each tribal nation boasts its own unique culture, language, and identity. Many members of these tribes utilize their cultural heritage, as well as their innate creativity, in business pursuits.  Through these businesses, people across the state, country, and world are able to enjoy the rich identity that makes these businesses what they are.

The film follows five Native American Made in Montana businesses as follows: Montana Baskets (Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians), Big Chief Chinese, LLC(Blackfeet Tribe), Native Fish Keepers, Inc. (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), Sunshine Can-dles (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), Iniskimauki Designs (Blackfeet Tribe).

Student filmmakers from the University of Montana School of Journalism reported and documenting these stories, diving into the unique operations of five Native American Made in Montana associated businesses. This film was made possible by the Greater Montana Foundation and the University of Montana School of Journalism.