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AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVE FACT SHEET
FOR THE STATE OF MONTANA

OVERVIEW
According to the 2000 U.S. Census there are 4.1 million American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) residing
in the United States (alone or in combination with another race). While 4 out of 10 Indians live in western
states, every state in the nation has a measurable AI/AN population. There are currently 563 federally
recognized Indian tribes and approximately 245 tribes currently petitioning for federal recognition. Each
of these tribes is a distinct sovereign nation that determines its own membership (citizenship) and
exercises the powers of government. The Urban Indian Health Institute estimates that 66% of the AI/AN
population lives in metropolitan areas (over 2.7 million) The Indian Health Service contracts with 34
Urban Indian Health Clinics.

The U.S. Constitution (Article 1 Section 8) sets the foundation for the federal government’s trust
responsibility to Indian nations, which has been reinforced over the years through various treaties, laws,
and court rulings. Despite this, AI/AN people continue to be underserved due to a lack of adequate
federal funding. The Indian Health Service appropriation meets less than 60% of the neediii, and of that
Behavioral Health typically represents about 1% of their total budget. The Bureau of Indian Affairs
continues to eliminate or cut programs due to decreased funding.

Since Indian people are also citizens of the states in which they reside, local government agencies and
entities have the responsibility to serve AI/AN populations that reside in their cities, counties, or states.
In states that have federally or state recognized tribes, government-to-government relationships should
be fostered in ways that promote the principle of tribal self-determination. In other states, efforts should
be made to reach out to Urban Indian organizations or other community-based AI/AN organizations.
Cities should seek partnerships and offer contracts to Urban Indian organizations. The National Indian
Child Welfare Association is available to provide assistance to cities, counties, and states seeking to
develop partnerships with AI/AN communities.

Demographics (2000 U.S. Census)

Total AI/AN population (alone or in any combination)	67,991
Total AI/AN population under age 19 (alone or in any combination)	30,740
Number of AI/AN on reservation (AI/AN race alone or in combination with one or more races)	37,925
Number of AI/AN off reservation	30,066
Urban Indian population for Billings, Montana	5,284
Urban Indian population for Great Falls, Montana	4,555
Urban Indian population for Missoula, Montana	3,243
Urban Indian population for Helena, Montana	768

Disclaimer – Census data may have some inaccuracies related to the population on reservations. Contact tribe for the official tribal statistics.