Montana Fibershed is a grassroots, non-profit organization that supports Montana-based natural fiber and dye systems. We seek to connect producers to end users of fiber, to encourage new and strengthen existing textile manufacturing systems in Montana, and to do so in regenerative and sustainable ways that support the health of our people, our soils, and the landscapes and economies that sustain us.
Montana Fibershed exists to support and promote the growth of a regional fiber and textile economy across the state of Montana. This will be accomplished by outreach and education targeted to producers, consumers, artists and makers, manufacturers, and the general public with the goal of building connections across the state that bring together the producers and users of Montana’s diverse natural fibers..
We specifically seek to strengthen the capacity of Montana’s fiber community to build a resilient and lasting infrastructure which supports a sustainable and accessible natural textile economy in the state. This economy includes those involved in fiber farming and ranching, natural dyeing, and the processing, milling, fabricating and marketing of Montana-grown fibers. We will work towards meeting our objectives and upholding our mission statement through outreach, networking, educational offerings, events, marketing, and advocacy.
Montana Fibershed will also work to promote the understanding that our raw materials come from the land and that stewardship of our lands and textile traditions is crucial for all Montanans. As such, we will look for opportunities to share information about sustainable production, processing, and use of fibers, and encourage the exchange of information regarding these practices between individuals and businesses located within our fibershed.