Tribal Heritage Center

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center (YTHC)?

The YTHC is a space where Native American artists, scholars, and presenters can directly engage Yellowstone visitors through formal and informal education. Located in Old Faithful Village, the YTHC is centrally located next to the Old Faithful Visitor Center. We’d like to learn from our artists, scholars, presenters, and the public to envision future, more permanent spaces for Tribal Nations.

Who can participate as a Tribal Cultural Demonstrator?

Members of Yellowstone’s 27 Associated Tribes who are artists, creators, and/or presenters can submit a proposal. Due to limited housing, we are typically able to accommodate one to two people at a time. However, if you have a larger group interested in demonstrating, please submit a proposal and we will consider, depending on lodging availability.

What are some examples of demonstrations that could be hosted?

Some examples of activities include, but are not limited to: storytelling, talks about tribal culture, traditions, and connections with the Yellowstone region, musical performances, art and/or craft demonstrations, beadwork, flint knapping, ledger art, painting, contemporary designs, quilting, drumming, dancing, hide tanning, printmaking, musical instruments, quillwork, etc. If your participation may require a particular type of equipment in order to carry out a performance, please include that information in your proposal.

When will the (YTHC) be open?

The center will open Monday, May 25, 2026 and close Saturday, October 3, 2026. Cultural demonstrators will be asked to fill the artist space from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (1 hour lunch midday). Sharing with visitors throughout the day choosing through general interaction while creating or through more formal presentations spaced around the eruption of Old Faithful. If a presenter does not meet the time requirements their stipend will be reduced and mailed (processing may take up to two weeks after completing their time at the center).

How is the schedule decided?

Presenters are provided a list of the available weeks. They are asked to provide the three preferred dates. The schedule will be diverse in the presentations and the presenter's tribal affiliations. New for 2026 the month of July has been reserved for Tribal Colleges to participate in presenting at the center.

How long can I stay?

Presenters may submit cultural demonstration proposals for Monday through Saturday the dates of their chosen weeks. Presenter will be expected to stay until closing at 5pm on regular days. Presenters can arrive anytime Sunday afternoon and must be completely vacated from the apartment by 10 am Sunday morning, to allow cleaning to be done before arrival of next presenter.

What can I expect on days that I am presenting?

Cultural demonstrators are asked to be in the artist space from 9 am to 5 pm with an hour break midday for lunch. Things to note: Visitors plan their visit to Old Faithful around the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts on average every 97 minutes (+/- 10 min). You will discover a distinct pattern of visitor activity that is directly related to the cycles of Old Faithful Geyser eruptions, and presenters may need to be prepared for or flexible with these patterns.

What space is provided in the YTHC?

The building is shared with half the building containing Yellowstone Forever retail space. The artist space is roughly 19' x 25'. Available furniture list will be provided in presenter packet ahead of season. There are several tables, chairs, and wall space for hanging art. There is a porch of about 26' x 8' in front of the artist side. Please plan to bring all materials you'll need for your presentation. You can see some pictures from previous seasons on this page Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center - Yellowstone Forever

Who are Yellowstone National Park’s visitors?

People from around the world visit Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful Geyser is the destination of over 90% of the park’s visitors, and during the summer months, an estimated 12,000 people per day spend time in the area. People of all ages, backgrounds, interests, and cultures come to the park, and for most, it is their first visit. YTHC participants will receive more information about visitors as part of their orientation to the area.

Will lodging be provided?

A modest one-bedroom apartment is provided, located in the Old Faithful staff housing area. The apartment is fully furnished and provides the presenter access to bring in groceries and have meals there. The coordinator does reset the space between presenters, but we request the presenters leave the space as they found it: cleaning dishes, and place linens in hamper provided.

Where will I be able to get food?

Food is not provided, and it is recommended to bring groceries to have meals at the apartment, as food/restaurant prices in the area are high. There is a full kitchen with a standard fridge, freezer, and coffee pot/maker. Most kitchen dishes and utensils are available for use, along with a mini fridge and coffee pot located at the YTHC for artists to use to store food and beverages during the day. The closest full grocery store is located in West Yellowstone, MT, which can be 1-2 hours away by car depending on summer traffic and possible animal jams. Two General Stores with limited groceries and “grab-and-go” food are available in the Old Faithful area, as well as a few restaurants.

Will my time and expenses be covered?

Participants will receive a $250/day stipend, including for two (2) travel days. Travel stipend is limited to two days per session of presenter, if there is a group only one person will receive travel stipend. Lodging will be provided for the length of time participants are presenting in the park. A check is provided at the end of week at the center, but if a presenter does not meet the time requirements their stipend will be reduced and mailed (processing may take up to two weeks after completing their time at the center).

Can I sell my items?

The emphasis of the program is to share presentations with visitors to the space, as submitted in proposals. Presenters have the option to sell original artwork, but the space is not to be set up as a market. Artwork for sell will be limited to one table. The art must be the work of the presenter, unless approved by Tribal Engagement Manager. Any additional artwork approved must be accompanied by the following information: artist's name, Tribe, date completed, and list of materials used.

The retail operations provide a wholesale opportunity to Indigenous businesses, if you would like to connect with please contact amcgeeley@yellowstone.org

Can my family or friend accompany me?

We do not limit the number of people that accompany the presenter but please note the apartment only has one queen sized bed. If you have children accompanying you, an additional adult will need to accompany you to supervise them during the day. Friends or family are not permitted to sell items unless it has been approved by the Tribal Engagement Manager. If you have questions, please see contact information below.

Who do I contact if I have questions? need a paper form?

Please email Yellowstone Tribal Engagement Manager, Alyssa McGeeley- amcgeeley@yellowstone.org. If email is not available to you, you may call at 406-848-2845. If you call, please leave a message with your name and phone number.

If submitting a physical form it will need to be postmarked by January 24th for submission.

How will I be notified for participation?

Scheduling will begin in mid-February with all notifications being sent out by February 20th. Acceptance is required within 5 business days of notification.

What are the current Covid-19 protocols for presenters?

Currently, masks are not required indoors at Yellowstone. CDC guidance may change by the date of cultural demonstration; updates will be provided. When in the park, please follow CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and recreate responsibly.