THe
Tipis and RVs
Strange how each day in Blackfeet country seems like so many more. Clear, cool air greeted me for my early morning walk while everyone from Jeff's team was still asleep. Even Heart Butte was at it's most quiet: my walking pals(dogs)from last year were nowhere to be seen. Return to the church found a bustling team getting ready for a busy day.
The team helped fix 200 bag lunches to be given out at the PowWoW, moved chairs, and provided assistance at the 5K "Mustache" run: this included elders, babies, twins, strollers, and athletes, enjoying an early morning competition. Arriving at the campgrounds, the site of the North American Indian Days activities, the scene was striking for its abundance of campers, RVs, tents, shanties, and the rarity of tipis. Families literally move out of their homes for 5 days, and camp onsite on the fair grounds: this includes chairs, trucks, propane stoves, cots, food, and more food. We added to the abundance by giving out free bag lunches. The scene was lively, crowded, and exciting, but hardly beautiful.
Next up I headed off with Joe, to find the elusive church van, do the grocery shopping and get organized. The van was no where to be found, nor was Pastor Hill, so Joe kindly accompanied me on my rounds. On return to Browning after driving to Heart Butte to drop off the food, we visited the pastor's ranch(not there, but will be back in 30 minutes, no van), the trading post(not there, don't know where it is) , then back to the Pastor's where we waited, baking in the 90 degree heat. When he finally arrived he reported the van was still being fixed, I could drive the yellow 14 seater bus(I could??), and not to worry , all would be well. When I asked him which day he could come and speak with my team, he informed me that he is leaving town Tuesday for the rest of the week.
Thus ensued my usual night before the team starts pity party, during which I fretted about how to drive a bus, what to do with 18 team members, and how would I make sure that everyone had a productive and meaningful experience. More on that as the week unfolds.
I managed to navigate the bus back to the campground, and met up with Jeff's team. We were invited to dine with Bob Tailfeathers and his family. We arrived at his site(multiple tents, trucks, awnings, etc) to find his sister Mary frying Navajo fry bread in the 90 degree heat. The resulting Indian tacos were fantastic. Next on to the opening ceremony for the evening events: entering the arbour, everything is transformed. One immediately forgets the trucks, campers, rvs, trash and noise and is transfixed by the sight of hundreds of Native Americans(they call themselves Indians here) twirling, stamping their feet, and drumming in beaded and feathered costumes that defy description. The joy and pride was evident on every single dancers face, young and old. The photos will tell part of the tale. The worries and anxieties of earlier in the day faded quickly away.
The yellow bus and I, with a few passengers, made it safely back to Heart Butte, where Jeff's team is busy packing up . I look forward to greeting my team tomorrow, and getting started on what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable(and unpredictable) week of learning, service and fun.
With much love from Heart Butte,
Barbara
Strange how each day in Blackfeet country seems like so many more. Clear, cool air greeted me for my early morning walk while everyone from Jeff's team was still asleep. Even Heart Butte was at it's most quiet: my walking pals(dogs)from last year were nowhere to be seen. Return to the church found a bustling team getting ready for a busy day.
The team helped fix 200 bag lunches to be given out at the PowWoW, moved chairs, and provided assistance at the 5K "Mustache" run: this included elders, babies, twins, strollers, and athletes, enjoying an early morning competition. Arriving at the campgrounds, the site of the North American Indian Days activities, the scene was striking for its abundance of campers, RVs, tents, shanties, and the rarity of tipis. Families literally move out of their homes for 5 days, and camp onsite on the fair grounds: this includes chairs, trucks, propane stoves, cots, food, and more food. We added to the abundance by giving out free bag lunches. The scene was lively, crowded, and exciting, but hardly beautiful.
Next up I headed off with Joe, to find the elusive church van, do the grocery shopping and get organized. The van was no where to be found, nor was Pastor Hill, so Joe kindly accompanied me on my rounds. On return to Browning after driving to Heart Butte to drop off the food, we visited the pastor's ranch(not there, but will be back in 30 minutes, no van), the trading post(not there, don't know where it is) , then back to the Pastor's where we waited, baking in the 90 degree heat. When he finally arrived he reported the van was still being fixed, I could drive the yellow 14 seater bus(I could??), and not to worry , all would be well. When I asked him which day he could come and speak with my team, he informed me that he is leaving town Tuesday for the rest of the week.
Thus ensued my usual night before the team starts pity party, during which I fretted about how to drive a bus, what to do with 18 team members, and how would I make sure that everyone had a productive and meaningful experience. More on that as the week unfolds.
I managed to navigate the bus back to the campground, and met up with Jeff's team. We were invited to dine with Bob Tailfeathers and his family. We arrived at his site(multiple tents, trucks, awnings, etc) to find his sister Mary frying Navajo fry bread in the 90 degree heat. The resulting Indian tacos were fantastic. Next on to the opening ceremony for the evening events: entering the arbour, everything is transformed. One immediately forgets the trucks, campers, rvs, trash and noise and is transfixed by the sight of hundreds of Native Americans(they call themselves Indians here) twirling, stamping their feet, and drumming in beaded and feathered costumes that defy description. The joy and pride was evident on every single dancers face, young and old. The photos will tell part of the tale. The worries and anxieties of earlier in the day faded quickly away.
The yellow bus and I, with a few passengers, made it safely back to Heart Butte, where Jeff's team is busy packing up . I look forward to greeting my team tomorrow, and getting started on what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable(and unpredictable) week of learning, service and fun.
With much love from Heart Butte,
Barbara
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