Blackfeet Retreat

 Honoring Blackfeet Women Ranchers and Our Land

October 5-6, 2024

 Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino

Cost: $25

Back for its second year, we celebrate our vital contributions as Blackfeet women in ranching and land stewardship. 


Join us for this two-day gathering to share cultural stories, learn about traditional and modern practices, and connect with a community dedicated to honoring heritage and deepening our understanding of your role in agriculture.

A Celebration of Heritage & Strength

What to Expect

  • Cultural Stories

    Engage with powerful stories and traditions shared by esteemed presenters, connecting with the rich heritage of the Blackfeet community

  • Interactive Activities

    Participate in hands-on sessions and discussions that deepen your understanding of sustainable practices and the impact of Indigenous knowledge on agriculture

  • Community Connection

    Network and bond with fellow attendees, building lasting relationships within a supportive and dedicated community

  • Keynote Presentations

    Learn from experts about the historical and modern roles of Indigenous women in ranching, and explore traditional and contemporary land management practices

  • Reflection and Engagement

    Take part in reflective activities and group discussions that foster a deeper appreciation of Indigenous heritage and contemporary contributions

Agenda

  • 6:30 PM Welcome Dinner

    7:30 PM Fireside Cultural Storytelling & Dessert

  • 7 AM Breakfast 

    8 AM Opening Ceremony

    8: 45 AM Honoring Ourselves as Indigenous Women

    10 AM Break

    10:15 AM Connection and Management of Our Native Land

    11:30 AM The Role of Indigenous Women in Modern Ranching

    12:45 PM Lunch

    1:45 PM Individual Reflection & Sharing Circle

    3:30 PM Closing Remarks

Tickets & Registration

RITL Blackfeet Retreat '24
$25.00

By registering with this ticket, you agree to Women in Ranching's Community Agreements and Photography Waiver

Get To Know Your Facilitators, Speakers, & Presenters

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    Bonnie’s journey is a testament to the power of education, community-building, and cultural preservation. A proud Blackfeet woman and mother of five, Bonnie has dedicated the last two decades to enriching the lives of others through her work as an educator, while also nurturing her own family and heritage.

    Born and raised within the Blackfeet Nation, Bonnie is a fifth-generation indigenous rancher. Her deep connection to the land and her ancestors is the cornerstone of her identity. This profound respect for tradition and history fuels her passion for education and community engagement. As an educator for over 20 years, Bonnie has been a guiding light for countless students, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary teaching methods to create a holistic learning experience.

    Bonnie’s commitment to her people extends beyond the classroom. Alongside her husband, she co-founded MTNLeadership LLC, an organization dedicated to fostering leadership skills and community development. MTNLeadership LLC is a reflection of Bonnie’s belief that empowering individuals with leadership abilities can catalyze positive change and growth within communities. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects, Bonnie and her team have nurtured a new generation of leaders who are well-versed in both modern strategies and traditional values.

    In addition, Bonnie and her husband established Mahmohwi, a non-profit organization focused on preserving and revitalizing traditional language and culture. Mahmohwi’s initiatives aim to safeguard heritage for future generations, ensuring that the richness of their language and traditions continue to thrive.

    As a mother of five, Bonnie balances her professional endeavors with the responsibilities of raising a family. Her children are an integral part of her life’s work; she strives to instill in them the same values of respect for their heritage and the importance of community that she holds dear.

    Bonnie’s passion for building community is evident in every facet of her life. Whether she is teaching, leading workshops, or spending time with her family, her dedication to her people and their future is unwavering. Her contributions have not only enriched the lives of those around her but have also laid a strong foundation for future generations to build upon.

    In honoring her roots and embracing the future, Bonnie exemplifies what it means to be a true leader and educator. Her life’s work is a powerful reminder that the preservation of culture and the advancement of community are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary endeavors that can drive meaningful change and growth.

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    Latrice Tatsey (In-niisk-ka-mah-kii) was raised on her families cattle ranching operation on the Blackfeet Nation in northwest Montana. Latrice graduated from Montana State University with her bachelor's degree in Natural Resource and Rangeland Ecology and completed her mater's degree in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences.

    Latrice has previously worked for Piikani Lodge Health Institute where she worked with cattle producers on grazing practices that are influenced by cultural science and cultural relationships with the land. Her goal is to continue helping tribal producers improve their operations while focusing on relationships based practices that improve the health and well-being of the land.

  • ROOTED IN THE LAND PROGRAM CO-LEADER

    At their ranch near Glacier National Park, Tiffany, her husband, and their two children raise cattle and horses. With 10 years of experience as a school district business manager, Tiffany now enjoys her roles as a full-time ranch and rodeo wife, sports mom, and part-time consultant. Her family also runs Deep Creek Feeds, a small livestock mineral business. Tiffany loves colt starting, breakaway roping, barrel racing, and peaceful hours at the barn.

    Deeply connected to the ranching lifestyle, Blackfeet culture, and her love for horses, Tiffany finds fulfillment in raising her children in this way of life. She holds degrees in business administration and equine management and proudly serves as an ambassador for her ag community, Women in Ranching, and the Blackfeet Nation.

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    Carol Murray is from Badger Creek near Browning and now lives along the Two Medicine River on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. She has dedicated her life to preserving and revitalizing Native American culture, especially for her people, the Amskapii Piikanii (Blackfeet Nation).

    She earned her degrees from Blackfeet Community College and Montana State University, working for 36 years at Blackfeet Community College in various leadership roles. Carol now serves as a tribal adviser for the Blackfoot Gallery at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary and has co-curated for the Smithsonian Institution.

The History of Rooted in the Land & Women In Ranching

The idea for the Rooted in the Land program emerged from our initial conversations with a small group of Indigenous women ranchers. They brought to light their communities’ urgent needs and, most importantly, asked, “What is Women In Ranching going to do about it?”


Acknowledging the historical and systemic inequities faced by Indigenous land stewards, and recognizing that true leadership must come from within the community, the program was realized in 2023 when Erin Thomas of the Navajo Nation and Tiffany St. Goddard of the Blackfeet Nation answered the call as co-leaders.

While Women In Ranching provides support, it is Erin and Tiffany’s leadership that listens to their communities, drives the initiative, and organizes gatherings like this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This event is specifically for Blackfoot women involved in ranching, agriculture, and land stewardship. We welcome women 21 years of age and up and strongly encourage elders to join us, share their invaluable wisdom, and contribute to the community’s collective growth.

  • No, day of registration will not be accepted. We encourage you to complete your registration 2 weeks in advance to ensure your spot and help us plan accordingly.

  • Each individual attending the event is required to register separately. Registrations are not transferable or inclusive of additional attendees. If you’re coming with family or friends, please ensure that everyone completes their own registration to secure their spot.

    We are unable to provide accommodations for youth and children under the age of 21 years old due to insurance coverage.

  • All meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the event will be provided.

  • For the event, please wear comfortable clothes suited for fall weather, dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures, and bring a reusable water bottle and thermos for your beverages. Additionally, if you take any medications, please bring them with you and keep them on hand.

  • No, part of building community is creating boundaries and supporting one another to show up fully. Please find good caretakers for your loved ones so you can arrive and be fully present.

  • We strongly encourage all participants to stay KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino to fully engage in the experience and foster deeper connections throughout the event.

  • After the event, a resource guide will be available on our website. This guide will include links to organizations, documents presented during the event, and other valuable resources to continue supporting your journey and connection to the community.

  • While Women in Ranching is not a Native organization, we prioritize multicultural leadership, ensuring our Rooted in the Land program is led and created by Indigenous women for Indigenous women.

    The information collected helps us enhance the gathering, support communities, and meet grant requirements.

    Learn more about the work of Rooted in the Land.

What we mean by “Women”

Let us be clear, if you identify yourself as a woman, no matter the complexity, we welcome you at Women in Ranching.

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