On Nov. 1 the Lewis & Clark Library opened a permanent display of Montana Tribal flags, inaugurating the county’s observance of Native American Heritage Month with music, dance and fry bread. The display, created with partners including the Helena Indian Alliance, is intended to be a lasting public acknowledgment of the Indigenous nations and cultures rooted in the Lewis and Clark County region.

Library leaders and community partners framed the installation as more than decorative recognition. By placing tribal flags in a visible, permanent setting within a central public institution, the exhibit seeks to make Indigenous presence a regular, acknowledged part of civic life rather than a fleeting celebration. The library’s collaboration with Helena Indian Alliance and other partners reflects an effort to involve Indigenous voices in how local history and culture are presented to the broader community.

The public celebration included cultural performances and shared food, elements that organizers used to open dialogue and invite visitors into a more personal encounter with Native cultural traditions. For many local residents, these events provide an accessible way to connect with neighboring Indigenous communities and to learn about histories and contemporary contributions that are often underrepresented in public spaces.

Beyond cultural recognition, the display has implications for community health and social equity. Visible acknowledgement of Indigenous nations can contribute to social inclusion, support mental well-being among Indigenous residents by affirming identity, and help reduce the sense of marginalization that contributes to health disparities. Libraries that partner with local Indigenous organizations can also serve as hubs for culturally relevant resources, information, and referrals that support preventive health, education, and access to services.

For Lewis and Clark County, the permanent flag exhibit signals a shift toward integrating Indigenous presence into everyday civic institutions. It may encourage other public agencies, schools and health providers to consider more sustained partnerships with tribal organizations, a step advocates say is necessary for equitable policy and service planning. By maintaining the display year-round, the library positions itself as a site of ongoing education rather than a seasonal acknowledgment.

The new installation is accessible to library visitors and serves as an invitation to residents to engage with the histories and living cultures of the region’s Indigenous nations. As Native American Heritage Month continues, library leaders and partners plan to continue cultural programming and opportunities for community learning tied to the exhibit, reinforcing the message that recognition and inclusion are long-term commitments rather than single-day observances.