Crow

Who are the Crow?

The Crow, or Apsáalooke, are a Native American people whose homeland is in southern Montana. Their name means "children of the large-beaked bird," a reference given by their Hidatsa relatives. The Crow are united by their language, shared history, and cultural traditions. Historically, they were divided into several groups, such as the Mountain Crow and River Crow, but today they are organized as the Crow Tribe of Montana. Their identity is shaped by their Plains heritage, horse culture, and annual gatherings like the Crow Fair.

Where do the Crow live?

The Crow homeland centers on the Yellowstone River valley, stretching from present-day Wyoming through Montana and into North Dakota. This region includes river valleys and mountain ranges such as the Bighorn, Pryor, and Absaroka Mountains. The land is a mix of plains, river basins, and foothills, once rich in bison and other game. Today, most Crow people live on the Crow Indian Reservation in south-central Montana, south of Billings, with some living in Western cities.

What language do the Crow speak?

The Crow speak the Crow language, part of the Siouan language family. It is closely related to the Hidatsa language. Crow is still spoken by some tribal members, though English is also widely used. In 2007, about 3,000 of the 14,000 enrolled citizens spoke Crow. The tribe also has a tradition of using Plains Indian Sign Language for communication.

How do the Crow live?

Historically, the Crow were hunters, gatherers, and farmers, relying heavily on bison hunting after moving to the Plains. They were skilled horse breeders and traders, which shaped their nomadic lifestyle. Crow homes were tipis, suited for moving across the plains. Today, many Crow people work in various occupations, including education, tribal administration, and enterprises on the reservation. The tribe operates Little Big Horn College and participates in both traditional and modern economic activities.

How is Crow society organised?

Crow society was traditionally organized into bands and clans, with leadership roles held by chiefs and elders. Family and clan ties remain important, and descent is traced through both parents. Marriage alliances and kinship networks help maintain social bonds. Decisions are made through tribal councils and community gatherings. The Crow Fair is a major event where families come together to celebrate culture and identity.

What do the Crow believe?

The Crow follow a mix of traditional beliefs, known as the Crow Way, and Christianity. The Tobacco Society is an important religious group, and tobacco holds sacred meaning. Rituals, storytelling, and dances are central to their culture. The Crow Fair features parades, dances, and the display of regalia. Art, music, and dress reflect both Plains traditions and contemporary influences.

The history of the Crow

The Crow originated near the Ohio Country and migrated west over centuries, splitting from the Hidatsa and settling in the Yellowstone River valley. They adapted from settled farming to a Plains lifestyle, becoming skilled horse breeders and bison hunters. The Crow faced pressure from neighboring tribes and later from U.S. expansion. They allied with the United States against the Sioux and Cheyenne, which helped them retain a large reservation. The Crow Fair, begun in 1918, is now a major cultural event.

Crow life today

Today, the Crow Tribe of Montana is a federally recognized tribe with about 12,000 enrolled citizens. Most live on the Crow Indian Reservation, while others are in Western cities. The tribe maintains its language and traditions, though faces challenges such as language loss and economic pressures. The Crow continue to celebrate their culture through events like the Crow Fair and operate educational institutions like Little Big Horn College.

Questions people ask about the Crow

Sources and further reading

• Crow people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Crow themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.