In Bozeman’s rich history, the phrase “Valley of the Flowers” isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a living pulse that resonates with the Indigenous roots that once anchored this thriving valley. Centuries ago, the valley served as a sacred meeting place for tribes, fostering community, connections, and cooperation.  

Today, the Valley of the Flowers has shifted in community and connections through the establishment and expansion of the city of Bozeman, as well as the diverse student population of Montana State University. With almost 17,000 students and over 270 student clubs, the university offers a multitude of opportunities for many student interests. Even in another era, the Gallatin Valley still hosts connection and cooperation for an abundance of groups and individuals. 

In the Honors College at MSU, one group emerges as a dynamic embodiment of the Indigenous legacy within the Valley of the Flowers. Honor Bound is a coalition of Indigenous students from all over the nation, with each member bringing their perspective and heritage to the program. The program began in 2021 as a pre-semester initiative aiming to recruit American Indian and Alaskan Native students to the Honors College and provide mentorship to these students. Honor Bound has since blossomed into a larger-scale initiative that supports its students through monthly meetings, academic trips, and other activities. 

Grace Epperson, a sophomore studying Criminology and Global & Multicultural Studies, is affiliated with the Seldovia Village Tribe and is part of the second program cohort. Epperson articulated the mission of the group, saying, “As a group, we work to foster a sense of community and belonging while pursuing academic excellence in each student's respective field. Honor Bound hosts a pre-semester program for incoming students... [to set them] up for academic success. Students who have [previously] participated in the program act as mentors to newer students. Above all else, Honor Bound is a supportive family that allows individuals to explore their interests and identity as Indigenous students in the university context.” 

Just as the Valley of the Flowers offered a chance for tribes to connect on mutual ground, Honor Bound provides guidance and a sense of family to its members. The program offers a supportive space for students to embrace and explore their heritage through educational and cultural activities.  

Academic trips during the Spring of 2022 and Spring of 2023 emphasize the importance of cultural education and connection in the program. During both occasions, Honor Bound students traveled to the island of Kauai to work with Iwikua, a local non-profit organization focusing on sustainable food production and community wellness. Students worked on the organization’s farm utilizing traditional indigenous farming methods and in addition, learned about the indigenous culture of Native Hawaiians.  

Brooke Sangray, a junior studying Environmental Design affiliated with the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Cree, gave insight into her experience during these trips. Brooke is one of the first four members of the initial Honor Bound cohort. 

“This experience highlighted the profound connection between Indigenous culture and ecological stewardship,” Brooke said. “Moreover, as an architecture student, it emphasized the valuable impact that Indigenous knowledge can have on sustainable architecture. Witnessing how Indigenous knowledge could shape my future contributions in architecture was truly empowering.” 

The opportunities of Honor Bound reveal a dedication to respect and reciprocity of Indigenous heritage.  

“When I joined Honor Bound, I didn’t have any connection to my community and ancestry,” said Epperson. “I had always wanted to know more, but due to the lasting impact of colonization, my family worked to assimilate and erase our culture and identity. After joining Honor Bound, I have been given the space to explore my identity in a group of students who are doing the same.” 

Sangray voiced her own positive experience with the Honor Bound program: “My decision to join Honor Bound was greatly influenced by my desire to reconnect with my heritage as a member of the Little Shell Chippewa Cree, also known as the Landless Indians of Montana,” said Sangray. “In the 1940s, the societal disdain for Native Americans led my grandfather to assimilate for his safety, a choice that, while necessary, weakened our family’s connection to our Indigenous roots. My engagement with Honor Bound has been a transformative experience, offering me the opportunity to strengthen my connection to my culture and celebrate the resilience and history of my people with newfound pride.” 

Both Sangray and Epperson echoed the devastating impact of the cultural assimilation efforts of the past few centuries, yet highlight a sense of hope with this new uplifting of culture and a profound sense of resilience that stems from the efforts of the Honor Bound program.