MAPS – Fort Belknap Program
Established: 2024
Location: 73 South Main Street, Harlem, MT 59526
Built on several years of award-winning MAPS projects with Fort Belknap youth since 2016 and endorsed by the Fort Belknap Indian Community Tribal Council, MAPS – Fort Belknap provides free, year-round media arts education to youth in the Fort Belknap Indian Community, serving students from Harlem, Hays-Lodgepole, and Dodson schools.
With access to professional equipment and artist instructors, students explore filmmaking, graphic design, music production, and new technologies.
The program integrates Nakoda (Assiniboine) and Aaniiih (Gros Ventre) cultural knowledge with contemporary media skills, empowering Indigenous youth to share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and build skills for their future careers.
Traditional Pipe-Making Workshop with Master Artist Donovan Archambault
Join Master Artist Donovan Archambault for a six-week traditional pipe-making workshop at the MAPS-Fort Belknap studio. This unique opportunity provides cultural understanding and hands-on instruction in the technical aspects of crafting traditional pipes—skills passed down through generations.
Participants must commit to attending every session to fully engage in the learning process, respect the artist’s preparation, and keep up with the work needed to complete their pipe by the final day of the workshop.
Following the final class on May 16th, there will be a community celebration and meal from 2pm – 3:30pm. Everyone welcome!
The workshop is free and open to individuals ages 14 and up, with limited spots available (12 participants max).
- Cost: Free-of-charge
- Dates: April 11 – May 16, 2025 (6 consecutive Fridays)
- Times: 10am – 2pm
- Location: MAPS-Fort Belknap Studio, 73 South Main Street, Harlem, MT
- Click here to enroll, or contact Craig Todd at (406) 690-2524 or craigtodd@mapsmediainstitute.com for more info
This workshop is presented by MAPS Media Institute and generously supported by the Montana Office of Public Instruction, Montana Arts Council, Greater Montana Foundation, and the Steele-Reese Foundation.
MAPS-Fort Belknap Indian Community Program Grand Opening!
On February 2, 2025, MAPS celebrated the grand opening of its year-round Fort Belknap studio – an incredible milestone that had been years in the making!
This dedicated space provides Fort Belknap youth with hands-on opportunities in filmmaking, graphic design, music production, and more, supporting them in sharing their stories, strengthening cultural connections, and exploring future career pathways.
The community event and shared meal marked the culmination of six years of collaboration between MAPS and the Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC), including partnerships with the Dodson, Hays-Lodgepole, and Harlem public school districts, Aaniiih Nakoda College, FBIC Tribal Council, FBIC THPO, cultural leaders, and families who believe in the power of providing MAPS programming to their children and young adults.
The year-round MAPS-Fort Belknap program is established with multi-year funding from the U.S. Department of Education/Montana Office of Public Instruction 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Greater Montana Foundation, High Stakes Foundation, and the Steele-Reese Foundation.
MAPS – Fort Belknap 2024-2025 Afterschool Program
• Progressive learning experience in media arts •
MAPS Tech Pass (Required to Use iMacs & iPads)
(March – May: Every Monday & Tuesday, 4:15pm – 6:00pm)
Want to edit videos, create digital art, or just use the MAPS computers for homework? Before you dive in, get your MAPS Tech Pass! This quick, hands-on session will show you how to navigate iMacs, iPads, and creative software so you can start making awesome projects right away.
Requirement: Students must complete 4 sessions before using MAPS iMacs & iPads
Spirit Horse: Indigenous Art in Motion
(March – May: Every Wednesday & Thursday, 4:15pm – 6:00pm)
Ever wondered what the designs on painted horses mean? In this six-week hands-on workshop, you’ll explore the deep cultural traditions of Native Indigenous horse painting, learning about symbolism, color meanings, and the historical significance behind each design. By the end, you’ll create three Spirit Horses—one for MAPS, one as a gift, and one to take home—while developing your own artistic style and connection to this powerful tradition.
CREATE Fridays – Your Space, Your Creativity (Open Studio)
(March – May: Every Friday, 10am – 3pm)
Ever wondered what the designs on painted horses mean? In this six-week hands-on workshop, you’ll explore the deep cultural traditions of Native Indigenous horse painting, learning about symbolism, color meanings, and the historical significance behind each design. By the end, you’ll create three Spirit Horses—one for MAPS, one as a gift, and one to take home—while developing your own artistic style and connection to this powerful tradition.
Friday Film Night – Moana
(Friday, May 2, 2025, 6:00pm)
On May 2, we’re screening Moana—an inspiring adventure about courage, self-discovery, and staying true to your roots. Enjoy a night of storytelling on the big screen.
Everyone welcome – no enrollment needed!
Community Class: Traditional Pipe-Making with Master Artist Donovan Archambault
(6 Consecutive Fridays, April 11 – May 16, 10:00am – 2:00pm)
Join Master Artist and Tribal Elder Donovan Archambault for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the time-honored craft of pipe-making—a tradition passed down through generations. This is more than just a class; it’s an opportunity to connect with culture, history, and storytelling while developing both the technical skills and deep meaning behind this sacred art form. Materials provided.
All participants must commit to attending every session.
Year-Long Filmmaking Class: “We Are The Light From The Shadows”
(July 2024 – July 2025)
ENROLLMENT CLOSED
At the heart of the 2024-2025 program is a year-long documentary filmmaking course focused on intergenerational dialogue about Indian boarding schools and their lasting impact. Under the guidance of Nakota elder and Tribal leader Donovan Archambault, students will develop technical filmmaking skills while learning the ethical responsibilities of documenting personal stories and facilitating discussions on sensitive topics.
This project brings together boarding school survivors and younger generations, creating a shared space for understanding and connection. Students will explore and document the history and ongoing effects of boarding schools, examining healing and resilience within their community today.
Intentionally designed with sensitivity and respect, the course ensures that students approach storytelling carefully, honoring the experiences of those affected. Through digital storytelling, we will work together to celebrate the past, understand the present, and contribute to a more informed and compassionate future.