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Who We Are
Blue Bird Lifeways—formerly Yellow Bird Life Ways Center—is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the beautiful Northern Cheyenne People in Southeastern Montana and now expanding our reach to the far western communities on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and communities across the region. Our roots run deep in the sacred soil of our homeland, and our wings now stretch wider to reflect our evolving mission, our healing journey, and our enduring commitment to community. The Northern Cheyenne and Lakota have long been allies and it is a natural progression to expand our reach.
At the heart of our organization is the matriarchal energy that guides us and grounds us—the wisdom of the grandmothers, the strength of our elders, and the vibrant spirit of our youth. These generations form the sacred circle that holds our work together. We honor their voices through our Youth and Elder Advisory Council, ensuring that every step we take is grounded in tradition, vision, and intergenerational unity. Our programs are powered by the love and dedication of volunteers, who embody the spirit of reciprocity and giving back.
Our Origins
Our journey began as a grass roots movement and organization, then as an affiliate of the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, who served as our fiscal sponsor for nearly a decade. Under their guidance and support, we nurtured our vision, built relationships, and laid the foundation for what would become a powerful movement of healing and cultural restoration.
As we grew in strength and readiness, we branched out and formed Yellow Bird Life Ways Center as its own independent nonprofit. This transition marked a sacred milestone—one rooted in sovereignty, responsibility, and the desire to serve our people with deeper impact and autonomy.
In November of 2025, we embraced a new name—Blue Bird Lifeways—to reflect the healing, renewal, and resilience that now define our journey. The blue bird, a symbol of hope and transformation, carries our name forward. It reminds us that healing from the trauma of the past is sacred work, and that remembering, reconnecting, and reclaiming our strength is a collective responsibility.
What We Do
We are committed to serving all ages in the Circle of Life, with programs that reconnect our youth and community to our cultural lifeways, restore balance, and uplift the spirit of our people. Whether working locally or regionally, our focus remains on community—its healing, its empowerment, and its sacred continuity. Reciprocity is at the core of our organization, giving back to the community.
Our Connection to the Land
All of our programs are deeply rooted in our relationship with the land. The land is not just where we live—it is who we are. It holds our stories, our medicines, our ancestors, and our future. We honor the land as a living relative, and every initiative we offer is a reflection of that sacred bond.
