Appreciating Differences

With my week slowly coming to an end, I have noticed that the life of people on the reservation is quite different from my own. Whether it be the school, the community, or their beliefs, it is very different. This immersion experience has taught me to appreciate differences, especially when it comes to culture.

My own experience has been quite sheltered which is quite different than many of the students here. The De La Salle Blackfeet School serves as a safe haven for these students. They come in early to play basketball, and after their long school day, stay and take part in various enrichment activities. From what I can tell, these kids truly enjoy coming to this school. I believe that the school is impacting their lives, and it will help them in later years. Though their classroom behavior may not always show it, they are happy coming here.

Nick Walnoha '14 in action with the 5th grade

The Blackfeet reservation is a very interesting place. While lacking some of the material possessions that we are accustomed to seeing around Pittsburgh, one thing that stands out is how kind the people are. Every car that drives past us on the road waves to us. During my experience at the Medicine Bear shelter, where I personally got the opportunity to serve and talk to many of the community's homeless, I met many kind people who, despite life's challenges, retained a positive attitude. For example, I met a man named Tony who used to be a firefighter. He talked about his experiences fighting wildfires, his past and his family. I also talked to a woman who was very depressed about the bad decisions that got her to where she is today. She explained that she started with drugs and alcohol when she was very young and how it messed up her life. Yet, despite her past difficulties, she remains positive. The people in the Blackfeet community are truly very kind with no one acting rude or saying anything unkind to us.

Marty Martin teaches Mike Gibbons' 14 a history lesson

Last night, we were able to meet a man named Marty Martin, or as he's also known within the Blackfeet community,BEWARE OF SLEEPING WOLF. He told us stories about the history of the Blackfeet people. He also showed us many artifacts hundreds of years old. He was a very interesting man, and he further explained all of the unique religious beliefs of the Blackfeet




The Blackfeet Tribal Nation, through history, has always had a great tradition of spirituality. They have their own culture and beliefs and have many sacred objects and places. One thing that the Blackfeet believe is sacred is the mighty buffalo. The Blackfeet depended on the buffalo for food and shelter back when the roamed the praries. Today the Blackfeet community still believe in the significance of buffalo. They treat all buffalo objects as sacred, including the very place where they used to kill them, The Buffalo Jumps. I had the opportunity to visit these cliffs, and the sheer size and the very thought of what happened there was very cool. Another sacred place is Chief Mountain, which is the most sacred mountain for the Blackfeet. It is surrounded by cliffs and is nearly impossible to climb and we can see it every day as we approach town.

Having the amazing opportunity to visit the Blackfeet reservation in Montana, and helping out at the De La Salle Blackfeet school, I have learned so many interesting things. I have met very nice people and learned so much about the history of the Blackfeet people. I am truly blessed being able to take part in this amazing program. The De La Salle Blackfeet school impacts many lives, and I believe that it is making a big difference, giving the kids the future they deserve.

Nick Walnoha '14

Nick Walnoha '14 and James Stupar '14 listen intently as Marty shows his sacred artifacts.

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