Day One of the Rez: Getting Comfortable In Our New Surroundings

Hanging out by the Two Medicine River on the Christian Brothers' Ranch

Student reflections on their first impressions of the Blackfeet Reservation and their journey to Browning,  Montana:

  

When we jumped off the train we were met by Brother Ray in an old bus. As we drove we began to get our first glimpses of Browning.  He drove us a short way to get some food. As we drove, we listened to the town's lone radio station (country), and could see several stray dogs--the first of many unfortunate sights of this small town of only 5,000 people. After some lunch and a tour of the school, a group dodge ball game broke out. Then we hoped back onto the bus for a short tour of the town courtesy of Brother Ray. He navigated through the snow covered streets, which were so bad that if Fifth Avenue looked as they did, two snow days would have been called in Pittsburgh. As we looked out of the icy windows we saw more unfortunate scars of poverty than just stray dogs. Many streets were lined with neglected mobile homes. It was obvious that there was much more hiding underneath the heavy blankets of snow. 



Andrew Stefanick

We then made the long ride to the Brothers' thousand acre ranch, twenty minutes outside of the small town. Ready to relax, we were told to prepare for a hike. Next we were led out to the clear, Two Medicine River with Jack the dog, where we drank the water and threw rocks at the ice that lined the river banks! Before returning to the bunk house we were briefed on the history of the ranch and the Church's role in Browning. The history of the US government and the Catholic Church's impact on the Blackfeet nation was troubling, but it is clear that the Brothers are making significant reparations for the Church's previous mistakes. Finally we returned to the bunk house and prepared for a dinner of antelope chili. After the meal we discussed everything we had seen that day, and the conversation continued into the evening's card game. As I went to bed I thought to myself "How is it that this once proud and thriving nation, that exists in the shadows of the beautiful mountains of Glacier National Park, seemingly has an uncertain future."

A. Stefanick '11

We were met by Brother Ray (one of the brothers who runs the De La Salle Blackfeet School) and taken out to lunch. After lunch, we took a brief tour of the school facility. We went to the gym where Volleyballs were found and a game of dodge ball began. Once we got our fill of the gym, we left on a tour of Browning. The first thing I  noticed in the town was that regardless of where you are, Glacier National Park is visible. The second thing I noticed was the amount of dogs running around in the streets. There were many more strays than you would ever see in Pittsburgh, but apparently much less than what were there about 10 years ago from what we were told. Following our tour, we started back towards our home for the next week. A twenty minute car ride landed us on a one thousand acre plot of land where the Brothers' mission house resides.

Rob Burns

From there, we went inside and claimed our bunks. Everyone got settled in and started to relax, but then we were told to get ready for a hike. Although at first I was a little upset that I had to get up from my bed, it turned out to be a nice walk. Led by Brother Paul, the group went down to the Two Medicine River. The water that flowed through the river looked very clean comparatively to any of the three we have back home. This led us to the decision of drinking some of the water. When we all got our fill of water we started to entertain ourselves by throwing rocks in the river.

After our hike we returned to our bunk house where people either showered or changed into more comfortable clothing. Before leaving for the Brothers' house for dinner, we were visited by Mr. Wedum, the principal of the De La Salle Blackfeet School. He spoke to us about the importance of immersion groups like us and asked us to encourage the students to hold education in high esteem in every way we can. Once he was finished giving us our instructions on what to do at the school, we left for dinner.

The chef's special that night at the Brothers' house was antelope chili. Although it was an unusual dish for us Pittsburghers, it turned out to be a delicious meal. Three bowls of chili and several magic tricks later we said our goodbyes and went back home. At the bunk house part of the group began a game of cards. If the next week is anywhere as nice as the sights that we've seen thus far, it should turn out to be a wonderful trip.

R. Burns '12