Missoula County Public Schools honors graduates with Native American honor song

The 2025 Graduation Ceremony at Hellgate High School in Missoula County was marked by a historic celebration of indigenous culture, as students and staff performed a Native American honor song for the first time. The event opened with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the land's original stewards—the Salish, Onpondere, and Kalispel peoples—along with other tribes that have frequented the area, including the Kootenai, Blackfeet, Shoshone, Crow, and Kiowa.

In a powerful moment of unity, the Missoula County Public Schools' Native American student drum group, led by Shawn Whitegrass and Brittany Hunter, took the stage to honor the graduates with their performance. This significant addition to the ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of the students but also highlighted the district's commitment to honoring and respecting the indigenous heritage of the region.

The ceremony concluded with gratitude expressed towards the Native American Student Services drum group and the school board members, reinforcing the importance of community and cultural recognition in educational settings. This landmark event is expected to pave the way for more inclusive celebrations in the future, fostering a deeper connection between the school and the indigenous community.