Life in the Land
Connecting People & Place in Montana
Hear perspectives from across Montana that provide global inspiration for healthy relationships between people and the land, through collaboration and leadership from local communities.
View the films & podcasts by location below.
Trailer for the Life in the Land film series:
How to utilize the Life in the Land content:
You may screen any of the films for FREE at your public gathering, event, or in the classroom.
If you show the film publicly, please fill out THIS SHORT FORM.
Ways you can use the content:
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Kick-off deeper dialogue around holistic & locally-led approaches
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Workshops, meetings, or conferences
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Community groups, organizations, agencies
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Educational curriculum
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Share with your legislators
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For new residents to get a window into Montana dynamics
Check out where the films have been shown.
Resources for Your Screening
Reach out to receive a FREE simple Screening & Discussion Guide or to inquire about having Life in the Land co-facilitate a screening and post-film discussion with your group or community. We also offer Advocate Through Story workshops, where we can help your group or community articulate the story of your work.
Receive a notification when we release new content!
Click on a location below to view the film and podcasts from that region.
CENTRAL MONTANA PLAINS
This landscape hosts critical biodiversity & is home to hardworking communities. Hear from residents who are involved in partnerships, working to foster resiliency for rural communities & their ecosystems, in the midst of land ownership changes & increasing drought.
This critical wildlife habitat and corridor is also home to people whose lives are guided by the land. Hear from local residents and members of the neighboring Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes locally led partnerships, sustainable natural resource industry approaches, and stewardship of forested ecosystems.
THE UPPER YELLOWSTONE RIVER
The stretch of the Yellowstone River that runs through Paradise Valley supports a wealth of biodiversity and local economies driven by recreation and agriculture. This film hears perspectives underscoring that regardless of the pressure, whether it is increasing floods, droughts, or river recreation, the response is more impactful when it is guided by the river itself, and the local community members.
BLACKFEET NATION
AMSKAPI'PIIKANI
Hear unique perspectives from those
who are carrying on the holistic approaches and reciprocal relationships that have been
a part of Amskapi Piikani lifeways for thousands of years, in ways that empower their community moving into the future.
THE
BIG HOLE VALLEY
This Valley is an expanse of intact grasslands and waterways which support the wildlife, working landscapes, and rural communities. Find out how people representing a diversity of needs within a watershed are coming together to find ways for a thriving coexistence.
THE
MIGHTY FEW
Historically, and still today, the Mighty Few District of the Crow Nation have proven their name through resourcefulness and strength in unity. Witness the process of this community strengthening their connection to identity, the land, & community togetherness. Through grassroots efforts, the Mighty Few are guiding action that creates necessary healing, economic opportunities, and self-determination to thrive into the future.
"They are beautiful films and capture how communities, people, and the landscape are connected,
and have to be, in order to flourish." - Montana resident
"I felt such Piikani pride watching the Blackfeet Nation film and so incredibly grateful to have connected with all of these wonderful people not only from home, but from across the state that have done such amazing work and have shared their inspiration, passion, and love for land and community. Also with the Big Hole film, it really resonated how empowering and amazing community can be when we work together and step up to solve our own problems within our communities and on the land. I am so incredibly grateful and honored to have been part of such a beautiful film and such important work."
- Kristen Kipp, Blackfeet Nation, Piikani Lodge Health Institute
"[This project] has the potential to change the mindset of Americans to recognize their responsibilities in promoting the enhancement of a working landscape through supporting and recognizing those of us that are stewarding their precious land for its and society's sake. It gives solace to those of us who have developed a land ethic based on what nature has taught us and the strength to embrace our responsibility as nature's and society's caretakers."
- Jim Hagenbarth, Big Hole Valley rancher
“In this increasingly divisive and combative socio-political climate that we are in, Life in the Land shows through these stories that people of all backgrounds can come together and make effective change. It shows both historical and current collaborative work and the positive impacts that occur when people come together. It reminds us that no matter what happens on the political stage, we are all integrated into these ecosystems together.”
- Rebecca Ramsey, featured voice, Swan Valley Connections
"The films themselves create a celebration for people who have been in on these efforts for many years, to see their stories reflected in a clear, compelling narrative. Expanding the outreach, screenings, and workshops is important for advancing the work that is featured as well as inspiring this approach elsewhere. It's an opportunity to expand and bring more attention to the importance of the work, to enlist more supporters and partners, and potentially lead to more resources and grant opportunities, because we are better able to articulate the work and connect with people around the story of the work. Everywhere, we are hearing the drumbeat of people needing to tell their story. This is a really authentic answer to that call. It inspires others to think, 'I'd like to create a story like that in my community', where we can pull people together and create a community guided response to our own challenges."
- Bill Milton, featured voice, Rancher & Community Facilitator, Roundup, MT