Montana State University celebrated Montana’s first official Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday with the dedication of a new garden arbor and outdoor educational space at the American Indian Hall.

The arbor sits behind the American Indian Hall’s Drum Room. Around the arbor itself, the outdoor area features a series of native plants, ranging from wild strawberry plants to sweetgrass. Project managers consulted with tribal botanists to pick plants that would best fit the needs of the community.

Additionally, boulders were placed around a stone fireplace, serving as seating for students and community members. Walter Fleming, retired former head of the Native American Studies Department, said he hopes the area becomes used by the community for various social events.

“Of all of these things,

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