What Makes Someone A Real Montanan?

I've lived in Montana longer than anywhere, other than the state I grew up in, and I refer to it as home.

Now, I realize for many Montanans that's blasphemy to suggest that Montana is my home if I wasn't born and raised here. Many locals take great pride in their heritage, oh, and they'll let you know by telling you what "generation" of Montanan they are.

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While it's a bit annoying, it's also cool that they are so proud of where they're from and how long they have been here.

What are the requirements to be a real Montanan?

The question that I have, (I can't wait to see the answers) is what makes you a "real Montanan"? Do you have to be born here? If not, how many years do you have to be here? Or, is it based on merit? I mean, if you are someone that helps out, volunteers, and gives back to the community and it's people, does that make you a "real Montanan?"

I bring this up because if someone is from somewhere else and they spend a few decades here building a family, working hard, and giving back to the community, isn't that more impressive than the 4th generation Montanan that doesn't do much?

I would certainly think so, but once again, I wasn't born here.

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