Our Mission
The Firekeeper Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to reducing suicide rates among the Blackfeet Nation and other Indigenous communities in Montana. Suicide rates are significantly higher on American Indian reservations compared to non-reservation locales, and those rates continue to climb each year. This stark reality underscores our mission to illuminate this pressing concern while fostering a culture of support and resilience for our loved ones.
By engaging with the most at-risk age groups in Indian Country and empowering them to embrace new coping mechanisms, we aim to keep the sacred flame of life alive, ensuring that every young person within our Tribal communities feels valued, connected, and equipped to thrive. Together, we envision a future where every Native American community in Montana has access to sustainable mental health resources and support, leading to a significant decrease in suicidal behavior.
Videos by @Axeofalltrades
Interviews with Charlie Speicher and Robert Hall of Firekeeper Alliance by @Shannonvoid
Music by Steve Von Till (also of Firekeeper Alliance)
Photo credit: Al Overdrive
Firekeeper Alliance Curation at Fire In The Mountains
We’ve partnered with the Fire in the Mountains festival in our mission to reduce suicidal distress in Indian Country. We’ve already established critical programming and support efforts in Browning, MT and we’ve only just begun.
We love metal, punk, and hardcore and we believe heavy music has the power to connect us while providing us unique coping potential. Our favorite musical styles also offers opportunities to process difficult life experiences.
Because of our alignment, FITM has graciously offered Firekeeper the opportunity to curate a special set or two (or three!) at the annual Fire in the Mountains festival. These sets embody our mission and feature bands that represent what we’re all about.
Additionally, Firekeeper will be curating the workshop and seminar series at FITM. We’ll be featuring a world class lineup of Piikuni knowledge holders, elders, and difference makers to share their expertise with all festival attendees.
Please consider donating to The Firekeeper Alliance.
Any amount is appreciated and your dollars will help us initiate indigenized suicide prevention efforts
in Tribal communities in Montana.