Chippewa Cree Topics – Access Genealogy

Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, established in 1916 in north-central Montana, is home to the Chippewa Cree Tribe. The Reservation’s name originates from the mistranslation of its Chippewa leader’s name, “Stone Child.” The Chippewa, originally from the eastern U.S., and the Cree, who fled Canada in the late 1800s, eventually settled in the Bear Paw Mountains. Despite facing hardship, homelessness, and discrimination, the tribes united and formed a stable community. Today, the Reservation spans 128,000 acres and is home to nearly 6,500 members, preserving their cultural heritage through designated tribal efforts.

History of the Chippewa Cree Tribe

The Chippewa Cree Tribe, officially recognized in 1935 under the Indian Reorganization Act, governs the Rocky Boy’s Reservation in north-central Montana. Established by Congress in 1916, the Reservation expanded its land base during the Great Depression, now nearing 130,000 acres. Historically, the Chippewa originated from the Great Lakes region, while the Cree migrated from Canada. Both tribes united in the 1890s, seeking a permanent home. The Chippewa Cree Tribe maintains strong cultural traditions, including the Sun Dance and Pow-Wow, while also supporting community development, education, and healthcare initiatives throughout the Reservation’s history.