The Land and its People
The Backbone of the World
When envisioning the northern Rocky Mountains in Northwestern Montana, undoubtedly the images that arise are of Glacier National Park’s immense mountain faces covered in snow, and the many beautiful turquoise glacial lakes. Combine that image with the endless rolling horizon covered in knee-high grass that you immediately think of when you hear the word “plains,” and you have one of the most iconic landscapes to be found in North America. This pristine land is home to what is said to be the oldest living bloodline of indigenous people in North America: the Blackfeet Nation.
The Blackfeet have been inhabiting this part of the continent
for as long as humans have been here.
If you were to ask a tribal member how long that is, they would surely respond by acknowledging, “since the beginning of time,” which is why they also have always referred to their land as the “backbone of the world.” They have directly lived with, and very much evolved with, the land and the animals that reside here; the buffalo being their most sacred animal. The land that makes up the Lower Two Medicine Lake Area, specifically Red Eagle Campground, is where Fire in the Mountains has found its new home partnering with the Blackfeet Nation on what is sovereign tribal land.
The beautiful and lush Red Eagle Campground sits at the foot of Lower Two Medicine Lake, a three-and-a-half-mile-long natural lake positioned along the western border of the Blackfeet Reservation and Glacier Park. The Southern Pikuni, our local hosts, have long referred to this area as Two Medicine; (nǎaṫoōk̇yoōk̇ǎasii in the Blackfoot language). The name originated long ago when two unknowing bands of the Blackfoot Confederacy converged for ceremony at the same place, at the same time, along what is now known as the Two Medicine River, where two distinct yet equally proud Medicine lodges were constructed during this famed gathering. Both lodges formed the visual and historical backdrop of this powerful place, and serve as the inspiration for its name.
This land, like all of their land, is truly special and has been in ceremonial use for thousands of years. The spirit of this land will welcome us, if we in turn bring with us the respect it deserves. We can honor the Blackfeet people and their culture, traditions, and ways by bringing a greater presence of heart and mind than you would normally bring to any ordinary festival. And in doing so, together, we may just create the most remarkable and meaningful festival experience in the world.
During the last weekend of July, 2026, once again reunited under the blazing alpine sun, we will commune under the banner of Fire in the Mountains to gather with our friends and family and revel in the splendor of the Two Medicine. It’s here that we will envision and partake in a world where inclusivity, respect, integrity, and love reign for all.
Alcohol in Indian Country
Fire In The Mountains 2026, at the Red Eagle Campground on the Blackfeet Nation, will be an event without alcohol.
The complicated presence of alcohol in Indian Country…
This decision was made in respect to the wishes of our hosts, and one we respect as it was a decision made with intent. The values of our festival lie in the power of music, nature, and connection above all else. With this, we are aligned with our partners in the vision of the event, and aligned with their wishes to abstain from the presence of alcohol.
To learn more about the reasons why this edition will be conducted without the sale of alcohol, as well as the impacts the festival aims to create - please read the statement below.
This piece was written in collaboration with one of our partners at the Buffalo Hide Academy on the Blackfeet Nation, and outlines the history behind Alcohol in Indian Country, as well as some of the aims the festival holds to have a positive impact on the lands and people that are hosting us.
The historical presence of alcohol in Indian Country in the United States is one which can be characterized through tragedy and deceit. Initially used as a tool by Europeans to manipulate and influence Indigenous tribes into ceding land and valuable resources, the relationship many native Americans have with alcohol remains complicated to this day.
Alcohol was first introduced to Native American communities during European encroachment of North America during the 15th century. Prior to this, many Indigenous tribes had little or no exposure to alcohol. This sudden introduction of alcohol caused immediate problems in Indigenous communities, many of which still remain today.
Native Americans have faced centuries of intergenerational trauma due to colonization, forced relocation, cultural suppression, and systemic discrimination. This historical trauma has contributed to higher levels of stress and psychological duress, which can lead to higher rates of substance abuse as a coping mechanism. The disruption and harmful symptoms of settler colonialism and the negative impact on traditional lifestyles and community structures has compounded the impact of alcohol abuse.
Further, many communities in Indian Country face significant socioeconomic challenges that can inadvertently contribute to increased rates of substance and alcohol abuse. Having had their traditional way of life so abruptly ripped away, native communities typically experience higher rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidality, and PTSD. These issues can ultimately lead to severe alcohol use as a form of self-medication.
When creating this partnership with the Blackfeet Nation, it became clear that we needed to take a deeper look at ourselves both as individuals and as festival organizers. Our goal has always been to curate an event that is meaningful; one that connects us and brings us together for a higher purpose. Our early talks with the Blackfeet were impactful to say the least, and during this dialogue we envisioned a festival aimed at fighting a tragic and massively under reported issue in Indian Country; suicide. While discussing the festival design with our partners, we soon realized that an event featuring this higher purpose and one that served alcohol just wasn't going to work. Through this process, we’ve come to understand new perspectives regarding alcohol and the painful impact it’s had upon Indigenous communities.
In expressing their belief in our festival and their desire to have a fruitful and meaningful partnership with FITM, many members of the Blackfeet community expressed their profound belief that alcohol exists not just in the physical form, but as a spiritual entity as well. This alcohol spirit has wreaked havoc on Native Americans for centuries and continues to affix itself to families and individuals today.
Beyond experiencing some of the most incredible musical acts in the industry juxtaposed against a backdrop of mind-melting scenery, one of our shared visions for FITM-Red Eagle is to offer a safe, healing space for our entire community to gather with hopes of generating a different kind of collective spirit……the type of power that’s capable of confronting the darker, more harmful spiritual forces we encounter. As we’ve witnessed during past FITM events, our community is one that cares deeply for one another, which is very rare to experience in most music scenes. A clarity of mind, body, and intention will allow us to collectively confront such malicious forces and shine some bright light on the Suicide Spirit that lurks in Browning, Montana.
It is for this reason that we took a chance on the idea to have FITM-Red Eagle be a dry event. Our intention is not to alienate the members of our community that have healthy relationships to alcohol, of which there are many. Rather our goal is to elevate and amplify this experience to celebrate reasons to be alive through clear intentions and the synergistic energy of all attendees.