Part of the Rosenberry-Donohue Lectures on the American West Series

We Know Who We Are: The History & Legacy of the Métis People of Montana
Explore the rich and often overlooked history of the Métis people in Montana, highlighting their unique cultural heritage and important contributions to the American West. The Métis, a distinct group formed through the union of Indigenous peoples and European settlers, played a vital role in the fur trade, agriculture, and the establishment of communities in the region. Discover early Métis settlements in places like the Milk River, Choteau, Big Timber, and along the Canadian border. Key topics include the fur trade era, challenges of displacement, and Métis involvement in local resistance efforts. Learn how the Métis shaped Montana’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. Gain insight into the resilience of the Métis people, their connection to their roots, and their ongoing efforts to preserve their traditions and identity in Montana today. This program offers a fresh perspective on the Métis experience and their lasting impact on the state’s history and culture.
Join us for an enlightening public lecture series that delves into the rich tapestry of Western history and explores the invaluable lessons it offers for our present-day world. Through engaging talks by historians and scholars, we will examine key events, movements, and figures that have shaped Western civilization. After the lecture, there will be a meet-and-greet with the evening’s speaker and light refreshments.

Hager Auditorium
Included with membership, $5/non-member
Registration is required

MaggieJo Widdecombe is a Montana State University graduate with a B.S. in Earth Sciences, specializing in Paleontology. Originally from Ashland, Montana, near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, she now serves as MOR’s Outreach and Museum Educator, combining her love of paleontology, science, and Montana’s cultural history. A proud descendant of the Red River Métis, Little Shell Band of Chippewa, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, her identity is deeply tied to both the land and her Indigenous heritage. She is currently helping develop MOR’s new paleontology exhibit, Cretaceous Crossroads, and is creating K–12 curriculum, outreach kits, and hands-on programs that bring Montana’s natural and cultural stories to life for learners of all ages.