The Blackfeet Indian Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust. Land trusts like BILT can acquire properties that are prioritized for protection by raising money to purchase them, then placing such properties under conservation easements, and holding the land in a permanent, protected status.
The ōt”kwaipiiᐧksaakii (Yellow Bird Woman) Sanctuary is a 1,160-acre nature preserve six miles west of Browning, Montana, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Front and just east of Glacier National Park, the Sanctuary sits within one of the most ecologically rich landscapes in the lower 48 states.
The Yellow Bird Woman Sanctuary envisions a reconnection to place through the community. Sanctuary refers to refuge or a reserve, and the amskapii piikani (Blackfeet) people have historically sought to enhance the power of place through engagement with mind, body and spirit. We remind ourselves that the Yellow Bird Woman Sanctuary serves as a refuge for the whole human to heal past trauma by acknowledging necessary relationships that cross boundaries intended to limit access of all species. Through education and perpetuation of the amskapii piikani’s traditional ecological knowledge, we can grow lasting partnerships that will sustain the long-term commitment needed for adaptation and change that impacts the future of so ́yiitṫǔṗii (water beings), ksu ̋koōmiitṫǔṗii (land beings), and ssṗoōmmiitṫǔṗii (sky beings).
Visting The Sanctuary
The Yellow Bird Woman Sanctuary hosts visitors and community groups for uses that align with the organizational mission and vision. Access requests can be emailed to ops.bilt@gmail.com and will be reviewed by the Board.
