What it's all About

Kyle Dresser's final thoughts on the immersion experience to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation:

When I first heard about an opportunity to go on a mission trip to an Indian Reservation, I immediately took an interest. I have always been interested in Native Americans, their culture, and how they live today. I was interested in how the children of a reservation would act, talk, and how they would compare to children who lived in a typical suburban setting.



Kyle Dresser helping a student

Before arriving at the school, I had the impression that the students would have behavioral or disciplinary problems, and that I would have no idea how to act around them. However, upon entering and just seeing how the kids acted with each other and with the teachers and staff of the school, my point of view turned around in a flash. I started talking to the students, and I was able to carry on good conversations with them about any topic that came up. The students were full of joy and just talking to them brightened my day. Most of the students were intelligent and already had plans for their futures. Granted, there were some examples of students talking back to or opposing the teacher, but most of them showed nothing but the utmost respect and adoration for the ones they were learning from. One of the students with whom I became close to over the past four days was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He was honest and open and had no problem talking about things he had trouble with. I am so glad I was able to help him with his work, and I hope he appreciates my help as much I appreciate the opportunity to help him.

Overall, this has been a wonderful experience that will probably stick with me throughout my life. I am grateful that I've had the privilege of learning about a great and proud people, their culture, their past, present, and future ways of life. Hopefully I have left as much of an impact on these students as they have left on me.

K. Dresser '11

Beware of Sleeping Wolf!

Marty 'Beware of Sleeping Wolf' Martain was kind enough to show the Central Catholic Immersion students some Blackfeet artifacts and rare bald eagle feathers.:



Immersion group listening to guest speaker

 

The most interesting part of the day occurred when one of our visitors "Beware of Sleeping Wolf" came to tell us about some Blackfeet history. I learned that today's Americans owe indian culture much credit for the way we live as a society. They gave us fruits like pomegranate, zucchini, and many more. Something that surprised me was that he told us that the Irish potato was originally from the Americas. Another thing that surprised me was that we adopted democracy we use today from the Iroquois Confederacy. He also told us of times when the Blackfeet were pushed around. Times when treaties were broken, alliances were betrayed and indians were massacred for gold, land, and in some cases, just being indian. "Beware of Sleeping Wolf " had a shield made out of buffalo skin and medals that represented his father and brother. Also on the shield were medals he earned as a paratrooper. He showed us many other artifacts. The most significant to us and "Beware of Sleeping Wolf" were three Blackfeet war bonnets made out of real eagle feathers. I am truly thankful for his presentation. Before he left he told us that with kids like us in the world he's not worried about our countries future.   

S. Hall '12

Ritual Leg Wear

Joe Danko with bald eagle talon





Ryan Scott with traditional rattle







Rob Burns with wolf pelt headdress