For the first time in its 40-year history, the Big Sky State Games will raise the flags of Montana’s eight tribal nations during this year’s opening ceremonies — an initiative years in the making, according to executive director Liana Susott.
Tribal flags fly alongside the American flag and State of Montana flag outside the Montana State Capitol on March 5.
THOM BRIDGE, Independent Record
“We’ve tried the last two years, but we just haven’t had the right group to work with to to make it happen,” Susott said.
To facilitate partnerships with representatives from each tribe, Big Sky State Games has partnered with local nonprofit Western Native Voice, which is also a sponsor of the games this year.
“We’ve worked with them on other projects, and they’re a great partner,” Susott said. “They were the obvious