 In 1897 Nevin returned to the United States, and spent time teaching and conducting as well as writing music; some of his early pieces were published under the pseudonym "Arthur Dale".In 1903 and 1904, he spent the summers living with the Blackfoot tribe in Montana, using the opportunity to study their music and folklore.He soon became recognized as an expert on Indian culture, and his interest in the Blackfoot led to the composition of an opera, "Poia", on the subject of one of their legends.