Jack – Jan. 6 2016
This morning we woke up at the crack of dawn and ate a filling breakfast of oatmeal and bagels. Then we circled up around the crackling fire. Brian and Chill led the discussion of expedition mentality and how to act properly in a different culture, we would later use this information when traveling on the Blackfoot Indian reservation. Jack Gladstone arrived at around 8:00 am and explained the history and culture of his tribe through both song and lecture. Jack taught us about his heritage and his parents as well as how he embraces his culture in the advancing world we live in. We then quickly packed up and rushed to the vans to evade the cold weather and drove for a little over an hour to the museum.
Brooke
There we discovered all about the Blackfoot tribe through watching a short documentary and also viewing their detailed artwork and dress. Walking through the museum enabled us to really experience how they live. After this stop, we traveled to Cutswood school, a non-profit organization that teaches children, kindergarten through eighth, how to sign and speak the Blackfoot language. We attempted to play native games which have been used in their culture for many years, including sports similar to lacrosse and hockey. Two native men taught us the simple signs that the Blackfoot have used to communicate. Next we traveled to an art gallery, which sold native paintings and art created by the locals. Right outside of that building there was an unbelievable view where we took many photos right before the sunset. When we arrived back at the lodge, we were given a superb meal cooked by Jack’s fiancé which included bison, elk, and venison. And finally, before we all crashed into bed, Jack sang us some of his songs which he had written himself about the park and stories that his relatives had passed down to him.
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