Payne Family Native American Center

The University of Montana resides on the traditional lands of many Indigenous peoples including the Selis (Salish), Ksanka (Kootenai), and Qlispe (Kalispel). Many Indigenous peoples including the Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet), Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Shoshone, Bannock, and Coeur D’Alene relied upon their traditional knowledge and relationships with this land and this space for survival in the past and today.

The Payne Family Native American Center is home to academic, student services, and educational institutes. We strive to have a positive, welcoming, and safe space for all who enter. The building was funded by private donors and the state of Montana to embody the University of Montana’s strong commitment to the Indigenous peoples of our state and nation. It is the site of a historic Salish Indian encampment, and the building is designed to reflect and honor that important legacy as well as the heritage and cultures of all Montana tribes.

Native American Studies (NAS) is the academic home situated within the PFNAC and NAS has a strong commitment to providing a high-quality, comprehensive set of educational offerings in Native American education. The PFNAC is also home to a student lounge, computer lab, study areas, conference room, Native American Student Association meeting room, and classrooms fully equipped with the latest instructional technology. The Montana Board of Regents has ultimate regulatory authority over the academic building and all events are required to act in compliance with the University of Montana Access and Use policies.