"We're proud of our Indian culture," said Blackfeet Councilman Rodney "Fish" Gervais, "and Indian Days provides an opportunity to share it with the rest of the world, particularly for non-Indian people so they can go home with fond memories of Indian people in general. Gervais continued, "We hold onto our traditional behavior; in the past every summer the confederacy would all meet and that evolved into Indian Days. I think it's good that non-Indians go back home with only positive images of Indian people, having witnessed the celebration with all the dancers, drummers and singers."
The first grand entry to the 56th North American Indian Days takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 12, but there's plenty to see and do before the first dancer takes to the arbor. Blackfeet Youth Day is set to run all day Wednesday, July 11, as the lodges begin to go up at the NAID campground.
"Spirit of the Horse" is the theme for the day, and All Chiefs Park is the location for activities that run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Signup for the Health Run-Walk starts at 8 a.m. and running and walking starts at 9 a.m. on both a one and a three-mile course.
A Pampers Run goes on from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the same time sports and games are taking place. A parade is slated to begin at 10 a.m., a duck race at 11 and barbecue served from noon to 2 p.m.
Awards presentations are at 3 p.m., when prizes and tee shirts will be given out. For more information, call Po'Ka at 338-5180.
The kids take to the rodeo arena on Thursday, July 12, as the Blackfeet Youth Rodeo gets underway at the Charging Home Park. The UIRA Tour Rodeo runs from July 13-15 at Charging Home, with $2,000 up for grabs in the main events and $750 for the juniors. The action starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. Cowboy church services will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday. For more information, call 338-7684.
Blackfeet Chairman Earl Old Person will be joined by Kenny Scabby Robe and Jason Good Striker in mastering the ceremonies while arena direction will come from Lucky Whitegrass, Frank Goings, Jr. Whitegrass, Mike LaFromboise and Marvin Weatherwax Jr.
The second grand entry comes along at 1 p.m. Friday, but points aren't scored until that evening's entry at 7 p.m. The drum roll call begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday. First prize in drumming nets the lucky group a big $10,000, with the remaining places also getting big money.
The annual North American Indian Days Parade lines up at 11 a.m. Saturday, but to get a good place along the route you'll want to show up early. The Blackfeet Veterans will lead the way as floats, riders, dancers and motorized squadrons of parading people wind around and through the town of Browning.
Meanwhile, both the Browning Indians Flag Football and the 1st Annual NAID Coed Softball tournaments will be going on, from July 14-15, as well as numerous dance specials.
Catholic mass is set for 10 a.m. on Sunday in the main dance arbor. Visitors are advised that by tribal ordinance, there will be no alcohol sales on the Blackfeet Reservation from Thursday, July 12, to Monday, July 16.
"It's our annual celebration that displays our culture and history as Blackfeet people," said Blackfeet Councilman Edwin "Sooney" Little Plume. "I want to welcome all visitors to my Blackfeet Nation."
While the Tribal Councilman acknowledged all 55 North American Indian Days celebrations have been special, "This year we have a lot to celebrate," Little Plume said. "This Tribal Council has been through a whole year of hard decisions, and I feel we made the decisions that are right, and we need to celebrate to overcome it and carry on. It's been very difficult, especially with the war going on and cutbacks in federal funding, so this is a time to celebrate and continue on.
"I wish the Blackfeet people a happy and safe 56th North American Indian Days celebration," said Little Plume.
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