Cartology Comes Alive: Connecting to Our Land and Our Relatives at Xplorer Maps

Xplorer Maps’ “Cartography Comes Alive” is thrilled to host the Montana Conversations program, “Connecting to Land Through an Indigenous Lens” with Lailani Upham on Wednesday, December 11, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

This free public event will take place at the Xplorer Maps headquarters, located at 1245 S. 3rd St. W, in Missoula.

Humanities Montana provides funding for the Montana Conversations program through grants
from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Montana’s Cultural Trust, and private
donations. Additional funding is provided by coal severance taxes paid on Montana-mined coal,
which are deposited in Montana’s Cultural and Aesthetic Projects Trust Fund.

Indigenous stories provide a powerful lens to deepen our understanding of the natural world
and humanity’s connection. This program invites participants to explore the value systems,
languages, and stories of Indigenous peoples—formed long before Montana’s statehood in 1889.

Through engaging discussion, attendees will gain insight into a soulful and personal
relationship with the environment, as well as the enduring role these narratives play in identity
and stewardship across generations.

Led by Lailani Upham, an Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet Nation) tribal member with lineage from
the Aaniiih, Nakoda, and Dakota tribes, this presentation will delve into how Indigenous
knowledge and traditions can inspire broader understanding and responsibility for the earth. A
journalist, educator, and business developer specializing in Indigenous storytelling and culture,
Upham brings a wealth of experience and perspective to this impactful conversation.

Seating is limited, so be sure to secure your spot for this unique experience that brings maps to life like
never before!

This family-friendly event is open to all ages. Admission to Cartography Comes Alive is free, but
seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a seat, we recommend picking up
tickets early at the Xplorer Maps store.

Related Events

• 

  Tell Us Something: Hold My Beer at UM Dennison Theatre

  January 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
• 

  Hooves and Howls: The Ecology of Yellowstone Wolves and Bison at Xplorer Maps

  January 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm