Traditionally, horses were a major part of Assiniboine and Gros Ventre culture. Ownership of a number of horses allowed one to be considered to be rich and well respected in the Tribe. Horses were raised for speed, to be surefooted, and for endurance and other qualities needed for the lifestyle of Native Americans. Today, a number of enrolled members of the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Tribes on Fort Belknap raise registered quarter horses, registered paint horses, as well as other registered horses, and have become very successful at this work. The Tribal Youth Ranch horse project will show youth that they can be successful raising horses in the way their ancestors raised quality horses.
Cultural diversity is very important in today's world.
Many Native American youth need to be able to identify who they are and where they came from, and be taught to be proud of their Native American heritage. The horse project is one way to work with troubled youth who have a history of growing up in non-Indian foster homes, group homes, and other dysfunctional environments that were not historically part of their lives. Youth will be able to learn about their original culture and learn job skills that are available to them. The Fort Belknap Tribal Youth Ranch a very respectable project. It is located about 5 miles west of three buttes .