Grandparents play a major role in the lives of young Native Americans. When one dies, it can affect a student deeply. Students can stop by Lopez's office anytime to talk or study in a computer-equipped study room nearby. Some Indian students have trouble fitting in because many come directly from reservations where they have lived all of their lives to a campus where there are few minorities, King says. It also is difficult to practice a Native American religion far from a reservation.
Sweat lodges, part of religions in some tribes, can be hard to find in Billings.
Both Rocky and MSU-B groups have had raised tepees on their respective campuses. In November, designated as Native American month, the MSU-B club and the Multicultural Student Services organized a lecture series on Native American topics. The main event for groups on both campuses this spring will be powwows. MSU-B's 32nd powwow will be March 19 and 20 at the Metra Expo Center. This year people from Wyoming, Oregon, South Dakota and Canada, as well as from around Montana are expected.