Chippewa Cree Tribe
The People
Rocky Boy's provides a home for about 2,500 members of the Chippewa-Cree tribe. The name "Rocky Boy" was derived from the name of a leader of a band of Chippewa Indians. It actually meant "Stone Child," but it was not translated correctly from Chippewa into English, and "Rocky Boy" evolved.
Location
Rocky Boy's Reservation is near the Canadian border, in northcentral Montana. It is graced by the Bears Paw Mountains, which provide a dramatic contrast to the flat bottomlands of this area.
Economy
Rocky Boy's residents who work on the reservation are employed by the schools, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service and tribal government. There is also some wheat farming and post and pole production. The tribe is actively working toward development of its natural resources to be able to provide more jobs and income for its people.
Points of Interest
Chippewa-Cree Recreation Area
Many outdoor recreation opportunities are available, including Bear Paw Ski Bowl, a tribally owned, fully operational ski area. The Chippewa-Cree Recreation Area is located 29 miles south of Havre in the Bears Paw Mountains.
Bears Paw Mountains
(406) 395-4207
Stone Child College
A two-year college, Stone Child offers associate's degrees in the Arts and Sciences. There are future plans for a cultural center on campus.
Stone Child College
(406) 395-4875
www.stonechild.edu
Tribal Government
Constitution and By-laws for the Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy's Reservation
The Chippewa Cree Business Committee is the governing body of the Tribe. The eight Council members and Chairman are elected at large; serving four years on staggered terms. Elections are held in the fall of every even numbered year.
The Tribe elected to 'compact' the Bureau of Indian Affairs (FY 93) and Indian Health Service (FY 94) programs under Title IV of the P.l. 93-638 Act. The historical Act allowed Tribes the opportunity to determine their priorities and to exercise the inherent tribal sovereignty of the Chippewa Cree Nation.
Meet the current membership of the Chippewa Cree Business Committee: www.chippewacree.org
Fast Facts
- The Rocky Boy's Reservation, headquartered at Rocky Boy's Agency, encompasses approximately 122,000 acres.
- The reservation is home to 55% of the 6,177 enrolled Chippewa & Cree tribal members.
- The name "Rocky Boy" was derived from the name of a leader of a band of Chippewa Indians. It actually meant "Stone Child," but it was not translated correctly from Chippewa into English, and "Rocky Boy" evolved.
- The tribe call themselves "Ne Hiyawak" which means "those who speak the same language".
- The reservation's economy is primarily supported by agriculture and livestock.
- The tribe celebrates Rocky Boy's Pow Wow annually in August.