Hearing some of their stories about what happened the night before or that morning are unbelievable. Whether it was getting a black eye or dealing with an drunk mom, all of the students have a problem, big or small, that I believe we can help with. Some students even came to school with no coat or ripped shoes. This was a huge problem since today was the first snow of the year. This is like nothing you would never or very rarely see in Pittsburgh.
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| Snow-covered wind turbine |
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| Snowscape |
My experience in the classroom during the past three days has been life-changing. Seeing these kids, who struggle with things no child should have to deal with, being motivated to do something special with their lives is unforgettable. Helping them acheive simple things like rounding numbers or counting coins is not only making a huge difference in their lives but also in mine. Central Catholic and De La Salle Blackfeet School have given us the opportunity to do something great with our lives.
Learning about the Blackfeet culture has also been a great part of the trip. Coming into town on Sunday we saw the tribal government complex, Sundance Lodge, and children riding bareback on horses. In the classes we have also learned a lot about the Blackfeet. Blackfeet translations of numbers ("na tsi koo poo doo" means "twelve") and common phrases ("ah sah pee nah koo nii ta ka" means "good morning, my friend") hang on the classroom walls. The school staff makes sure to incorporate the culture into every school day. After morning announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance, the Blackfeet Flag Song is played. There is always a Blackfeet word of the day and occasionally a prayer in Blackfeet is read. The school goes even further to make sure their culture and tradition don't slip away.
Today, Wednesday, the fourth grade went to the Museum of the Plains Indian just down the street. We all got to see the traditional clothing and weapons of the students' ancestors. All were excited to be there and learn about their people's rich history. After talking to the students for a while, they all seemed interested in continuing the traditions of their heritage. They see what we see, that their culture is extremely vulnerable to both self-destruction and destruction from the surrounding world. There are many members of the tribe who are fighting to perserve their heritage. It is a tough battle against drugs, alcohol, and apathy.
Coming to the Blackfeet reservation in Montana has been a great experience so far. It is hard to believe that we will be leaving in only a few days. The entire community here on the reservation is very close but also welcoming. I expect it to be a tough transition back in Pittsburgh both physically and mentally. It will be hard to leave such a great place that I've come to love, good and bad.
Greg Saxon '14
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| Greg Saxon '14 |
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