MAPS Media Institute - Fort Belknap

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MAPS Media Institute - Fort Belknap MAPS - Fort Belknap is a free, year-round media arts program serving youth in Harlem, Hays and Dodson.

Students create films, music, podcasts, and design projects that share community stories and strengthen cultural connections. MAPS Media Institute, an arts educational nonprofit, began in the Bitterroot Valley in 2004 to empower youth through free, professional media arts education. In 2019, MAPS expanded to Helena with a second year-round program and opened its third permanent site in Fort Belknap in 2024. The Fort Belknap program grew from nearly a decade of collaboration. Since 2016, MAPS has facilitated media projects with local youth, earning trust and endorsement from the Fort Belknap Tribal Council, cultural leaders, families, and three public school districts. With this community support, Fort Belknap became MAPS' third year-round site, providing steady opportunities for creativity, mentorship, and skill-building. Based out of our Harlem studio and extending to schools and community spaces across Fort Belknap, MAPS engages students ages 13-18 in filmmaking, music production, podcasting, graphic design, and emerging technologies. Beyond technical training, MAPS offers a place where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and share their stories. Projects connect students, elders, and families in creating media that reflects Fort Belknap - from cultural traditions to contemporary life. Their work is shared across Montana and frequently earns recognition at regional and national levels. Follow us to see what Fort Belknap youth are creating next.

10/13/2026
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ethel Moore! If you’ve visited MAPS - Fort Belknap over the last two years, shared a meal at one of ...
09/24/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. Ethel Moore!

If you’ve visited MAPS - Fort Belknap over the last two years, shared a meal at one of the community feeds, or grabbed a snack on your way in or out of the studio, chances are Dr. Ethel Moore’s quiet generosity had something to do with it.

Dr. Moore is a true behind-the-scenes hometown heroine and a beloved part of the Fort Belknap (and MAPS!) community.

We’ll be celebrating YOU, Dr. Moore, throughout your birthday season!

Happy, Happy Birthday from all of us at MAPS.

(And Dr. Moore, keep an eye on your doorstep this birthday season - we have a feeling some homemade gingerbread may just find its way to you...)

09/23/2026

Join us in Browning for the premiere of HEAVY, a student-centered documentary exploring how heavy music, creative expression, and community can become protective factors. Come celebrate the young people and partners behind the film, stay for a student and filmmaker Q&A, and experience the story with us.

09/23/2026

What happens when young people have caring mentors, space to turn up the volume, and music and art to help them work through difficult experiences and create something of their own? That question sits at the heart of HEAVY, a new documentary co-produced by Browning Public Schools' Heavy Music Sympos...

Native American Week at Harlem Public Schools - Day 2! From traditional games and food to outdoor activities, sweetgrass...
09/23/2026

Native American Week at Harlem Public Schools - Day 2!

From traditional games and food to outdoor activities, sweetgrass braiding, and visits with Tribal Elders, Day 2 was full of opportunities for students to learn, connect, and spend time together.

A big thank-you to the Tribal Elders, community members, and Harlem High School staff who shared their time and knowledge with students, and to MAPS artist-instructor Erin LaMere for capturing these moments throughout the week

09/23/2026

Nakoa HeavyRunner in the MAPS–Fort Belknap studio today!

Nakoa and his daughter, Taya Shay, stopped by the studio and blessed us with this song.

Thank you, Nakoa and Taya. We look forward to seeing you both again soon!

We loved hearing them sing together and hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Harlem Public Schools Native American Week: Day 1!What an inspiring start! Today's gathering brought students and commun...
09/22/2026

Harlem Public Schools Native American Week: Day 1!

What an inspiring start! Today's gathering brought students and community together to celebrate with guest artist Shaylynn Bird, who danced Fancy Shawl and shared powerful, positive messages alongside the student drum group.

Thank you to the Harlem School District and everyone who brought today’s gathering together.

Stay tuned for more photos throughout the week from the gifted photographer (and MAPS artist-instructor), Erin LaMere!

MAPS-Fort Belknap Studio got the All-Clear!Huge thank you to the Harlem Volunteer Fire Department for their work last ni...
09/14/2026

MAPS-Fort Belknap Studio got the All-Clear!

Huge thank you to the Harlem Volunteer Fire Department for their work last night/today, and to the fire departments from Fort Belknap, Havre, Chinook, and Hogeland/Turner who came to help.

We’re also grateful to the Blaine County Road Department, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office MT, and City of Harlem employees who supported the response.

Thanks to all of them, the MAPS-Fort Belknap studio is safe and ready to reopen.

Grateful. Relieved. And ready to welcome everyone back Tuesday.

On Sunday night, Harlem showed up for MAPS-Fort Belknap in a big way. Our building did not burn, and we are so grateful....
09/14/2026

On Sunday night, Harlem showed up for MAPS-Fort Belknap in a big way. Our building did not burn, and we are so grateful.

What hit us hardest wasn't the fire, it was the response. Dozens and dozens of calls, texts, messages and emails poured in checking on the studio, the staff, the students. That kind of care says everything about this community.

MAPS will remain closed for now. We will keep you posted as we know more.

Thank you, Harlem, and thank you to the firefighters and first responders who worked through the night.

Address

73 S Main Street
Harlem, MT
59526

Opening Hours

Monday 3pm - 7pm
Tuesday 3am - 7pm
Wednesday 3pm - 7pm
Thursday 3pm - 7pm

Telephone

+14063532287

Website

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