June 4th, 2012 Browning, Montana, The Blackfeet Reservation (Miriam)

The Blackfeet Community College

After breakfast and a group meeting, we headed over to Blackfeet Community College (BCC) to meet with members of the community who wanted to request our assistance. These people included Smokey Henrickson (the buildings manager), Wilbert Fish (in charge of the geodome/greenhouse and Blackfeet herbology), Rachel and Kelley from Americorps, Sherri Breneman-Kipp (in charge of the Blackfeet Academy), and others. I ended up volunteering to help Michael Framboise with putting together a Blackfeet language learning program, while others ended up doing gardening or maintenance work around the town and at BCC.

We were treated to a tour of BCC by Bob Tailfeathers, the Dean of Students, who also showed us some of his beautiful artwork and quillwork jewelry. We got to see the state-of-the-art, 'green' science and math building which ran on solar energy and is one of five such buildings in the state. After lunch, I returned to BCC to assist Mike. He had me compile a collection of images to accompany the Blackfeet language learning program. This included files of photos of foods, objects, animals, numbers, and other commonly used words.

A traditional Blackfeet Sweat Lodge

At about 5:00, we were getting ready to go to Heart Butte to Tom Crawford's house for the traditional Indian sweat ceremony, putting on our long skirts and getting our towels and water. The drive there was a bit of an adventure as we mistakenly drove past Heart Butte (it was quite small and we were in conversation) and got somewhat lost. We eventually got there after a few more wrong turns. To give a little background, Tom Crawford began doing sweat ceremonies weekly 20 years ago when his granddaughter was born severely handicapped and given a short life expectancy. They have done it since then, in rain or shine, each Monday, and she has survived longer and longer past that expectancy. The sweat ceremony is a time of prayer and fellowship. Participants sit in a small enclosed lodge with a pit in the middle in which hot stones are placed and steam is created. The idea is that one endures and suffers through the heat and sweat in exchange for the healing of one's loved ones. We first went through the tobacco ceremony and requested prayer for various people in our lives. Then they brought in the hot rocks (19 to begin with), closed up the door so we sat in complete darkness, and we began to sing. Each song was 1 verse repeated 4 times and we began with a 4 song round and then moved onto the healing rounds which consisted of 2 songs. Between each round, the door was opened and we all scrambled out into the cool evening. The contrast in temperatures was invigorating and intense, while the ceremony itself was a very hopeful and meaningful experience. Tom and his family and friends were infinitely welcoming and kind, which was touching as we were both strangers and non-natives. After the ceremony, Tom and his family invited us in for dinner and we played around with his grandchildren and had cake. We left quite late, but the ride home was beautiful--complete with lightning flashing across the sky and a full moon!

Learning About Blackfeet Country

Sunday, June 3

By: Aly Nielson

Today was the first full day on the Blackfeet Reservation. What a day! Slowly, we all began to wake up and make our way to the lounge for breakfast, where there was cereal, toast, and coffee. Yum. J We listened to Michele talk a little bit more about Browning. Then, we all got ready for the day and met together for a meeting in the…meeting room. At this point, we finally introduced ourselves officially. Our group consists of Linda from Pennsylvania, Barry from Maryland, Marie from New York, Miriam from Connecticut (although she goes to school with Marie in New York), Aly from Utah, Kelsey from Washington (although she goes to school at the University of Montana), Lucia from England, and of course, our fabulous team leader, Michele. J

After introducing ourselves, we participated in a couple team building activities. First, we listed what we all thought were 19 characteristics of an effective team. Then, we individually wrote down three goals we had for this week and we shared them with each other. We found that many of us had similar goals. Interesting, but at the same time, kind of expected. After the team building, we went over some of the rules, as well as, the policies and guidelines. Then Michele gave us a list of activities we could do in our free time.

By the time we were finished, Joe Gessepe, a local man who works at BCC and helps with the teams,  showed up at Head Start. While Michele and Linda went to the store to get food for lunch, the rest of us stood around listening to Joe tell us stories. The storytelling and conversations continued over a lunch of sandwiches, apples, chips, pretzels, and cookies. When lunch was over, we all piled into the van and headed of on an adventure (tour) of the northern part of the reservation. Throughout the whole tour, we listened to Joe and Michele tell us some background and history of the reservation. It was quite interesting.

The first thing we did was head north toward Duck Lake. Michele said it was the northern most road you can go on the U.S. side of the reservation. We saw Chief Mountain in the distance, which is consider a place of power/spiritual place. We pulled to the side of the road to take pictures. Next, we saw Lower St. Mary Lake and then headed toward Babb (they apparently call themselves Babylonians). Then we came to Sherbert Lake (on the reservation side, of course. We weren’t allowed to go into Glacier National Park). We saw a moose. J Michele pointed out several other mountains along our way to Upper St. Mary Lake. We even got to see the profile of St. Mary on one of the mountains, which is where St. Mary got its name. Unfortunately, at this point Joe told us a story about a terrible fire a few years ago that start in Glacier National Park and came over to the reservation. We saw miles of trees that were affected by this. He also pointed out the dam that broke causing a huge flood in 1964. At this point, many of us seemed quite tired. Michele pulled over and we went for a lovely little stroll. It was beautiful, and it seemed to wake us up a bit because when we got in the van, there was definitely more talking/conversations.

Now that our adventure was over, we headed back to Head Start where we met Candy LaMott, who made use a delicious dinner of chicken and vegetables. We also had watermelon and salad. Once we all had our fill, we watched a movie about Global Volunteers and then one about the history of the Blackfeet Indians. It was quite interesting to watch and learn more about the Blackfeet. Afterward, we decided to go on a quick stroll around town, which turned out to be quite a nice end of the day activity.

When we returned to Head Start, the team members all went their own ways. Some went off to bed. Others decided to eat more food. And some even started to watch Casper. Whatever it was we did, most of us wondered what tomorrow will bring.

Montana Team #85 - Blackfeet Reservation

June 2nd, 2012
4:30 pm
Browning, Montana

The land of the Plains Indians around Browning, MT

Miriam and I just arrived in Browning, Montana with two other volunteers, Lucia and Linda, and our team leader Michele.  The others are arriving by car and train.  The town is small, and the population is basically unknown (or at least somewhat disputed over). Most people estimate there are 1,200 residents in the Browning area.

We are staying at Head Start, in a small school/daycare building.  It looks like we should have a nice comfortable stay here, as we each have a twin bed and share the classroom and its bathroom.  Earlier when Michele had picked us up from the airport in Great Falls and drove us to Browning, the trip was just impeccable. The scenery of vast open plains with blue skies above filled with cotton like white clouds could just take your breath away.  Trees were far and few between, something I had not expected, living in upstate NY with the majority of open land being filled with trees.  The Rocky mountains off in the distance were enormous snow capped visions of beauty.  A mixture of fog and clouds surrounded the tips of them.  It was a gorgeous contrast to the open plains and blue sky.
Marie Heffernan

Team Work Makes Dream Work

We awoke to a freshly washed Beards Fork. The rain from last night cleared away and broke to a beautiful July morning. Breakfast was prepared by all and sleepy heads rubbed the dew from their eyes over hot coffee, tea, and the kind conversation of new friends. Artie arrived and formally began our work day. Heidi shared a beautiful poem, “The Way You Say It,”and the boys read their journal from the day before. Heidi, Nancy, Gary, Jen, and Grady headed off to the site to hopefully begin the roofing project on the house rehab in Powelton. Skylar, Travis, Cooper, Meghan, Alex, and Cathy read to the summer school children. The students, on the whole, are very good readers and enjoy having new friends read with them. Mariann, Polly, Jim, Rhonda, Rosie, Carol, Kris, and Wendy worked on the dorm project. Cabinets were hung with Craig’s help and Ralph’s expertise in the kitchen. Paint was brought in with the anticipation that wall paint will be rolled soon. Skimming of the bathroom walls progressed and painting should start before we finish our week here. The walls in the hallway had all of the imperfections filled to make them also ready for a finish coat of paint. The kick plates were installed and things are moving right along. Skylar said it’s a very good day if his shoulder blades are burning at the end of the day. Today is a very good day!

The afternoon project in the school building was the preparation of the new food pantry. Rosie and Rhonda tackled the space known as the “secret room” to clean out, uncover, and otherwise get to the bare bones in preparation for construction of the new shelves and then the enormous moving project of the canned goods. Two groups worked on sorting the donated food. It was a huge, overwhelming job. Some categorizing was achieved, but the 10,000 cans are quite a huge mountain. We will conquer this mountain this week. A Hearts game made the late afternoon pleasant along with snacks and cold beverages!

Jen and Nancy arrived back with the evidence of hard work spent on the roof on their clothes and bodies. With half the roof now completed tomorrow’s project will be the other half. Gary said the kitchen is now six inches taller because it is now straight. Good deal. Bob and his family will undoubtedly enjoy the fruits of our labor for years to come. Heidi worked on the sofits and siding, too. Our team loves the mantra that Craig repeats throughout the day with his kind smile and contagious laughter: “Team work makes the dream work.” Our bodies are a bit sore but our spirits are shining brightly. Good work, good friends, great food. . . what’s not to like?

Another feast was prepared by Artie and enjoyed by all. Dishes were washed by Gary, Mariann, and Nancy, and Carol vacuumed our common space in preparation of more group time. We ended our day with memories of Ralph, T. J, Chris, Craig, Debbie, Vicki, and so many more. Our hearts are grateful for new friends and such kind hosts. Sleep will come easily after a nice day. . . hopefully, quiet will, too.

Typical Day Poem

Pre sunrise. Some surprise. I and Cath made wide-eyed by a rooster going “beepity beep.” Dawn broke; all woke, bacon fried and eggs yoked, with Coop and Mariann “ill” at ease. Cooper rallied and rolled down the road, armed to paint, while Mariann tried but took to bed, feeling faint.

While Carol and Wendy got agilely bendy, scraping tile and making mud all day. And Artie Mullins can really cool, is what we all say.

The young’uns not painting read to students waiting till all the classes met finally. Warm fuzzies, pup huggies, thirsty lunch crowd chuggies, a watermelon given us free. Nurse Rona cooked chicken noodle soupy for our ailing patient, which chased away her croupy.

Though faced with tiles and tons of cans, tired of muscles and sore of hands, we sorters and roofers and workers are all grand. And Artie Mullins works really hard, we all understand.

Arts craftily sorted, pantry build out is aborted till the morrow, but have no worry, you. There’s always more than plenty of chores for us—the twenty—trying to live this week by “Umbuntu.” As we rally to view the New River Gorge, then head back once more to our home, we can’t help but wonder and sit back and ponder—come back again? We’ll have to wait and see.

But Artie Mullins is one fantastic host, we can all agree.

Who we are

The afternoon consisted of our orientation meeting with Artie at the helm and a drive around the area with Artie, Wendy, and Rhonda driving. An excellent dinner of lasagna, pasta, salad, veggies, and bread, in which I consumed way too much bread. After dinner, we got to meet John David. He is a wealth of information about Beards Fork and West Virginia. He also explained the importance of our group and projects completed past and present. Who knew Beards Fork was at the end of a holler? There is a wide variety of professions represented here, although teachers outnumber the rest of us. There are also medical, retired people, domestic parents, a behind-the-scenes celebrity in the entertainment field, a librarian, and six children. We will be working alongside with SALS—the Southern Appalachian Labor School. Our evening ended late. Everyone was exhausted.

West Virginia Service Program

Our day started out flying in airplanes or riding in a car. We all met at Beards Fork, WV.One way in, one way out.Our team leader is Artie, a native. He is a book of stories about Beards Fork, WV. The day consisted of getting to know one another and listening to live music by the children. The group consists of Rona, Wendy, Polly, Rhonda, Carol, Jim, Jen, Cathy, Heidi, Nancy, Kris, Mariann, Gary, Rosie, and six children: Alex, Meghan, Travis, Skylar, Grady, and Cooper, who is going to keep us on our toes. I appointed myself the official photographer.