Orientation, Slam Poetry, Buffalo and A Shower

Sunday, July 12, 2015

The dawn was cool and clear as Alexa and I climbed the hill to the wooden cross, and wrapped around the ridge as the sun filled the sky.  The lazy prairie dogs roused to chatter at us on the way down.  I learned about her family, life at Hofstra and her experiences as a youth in the Mohegan tribe.  She is very interested in keeping the traditions alive and extending that enthusiasm to other Mohegan youth.

Orientation was well received, with goals that are bold but achievable.  To demonstrate team effectiveness, we broke into two teams:  one to teach us about Crow history, the other to teach us about Chief Plenty Coups.  In less than 30 minutes, we had a slam poetry (do you even know what that is?) performance detailing the Crow migration , and an artistic depiction of Chief Plenty Coups and his philosophy, including a stunning portrait created by one the team members.  

Lunch was followed by the requisite trip to the Custer's Last Stand Battlefield.  We listened to the ranger's extraordinary retelling of the battle and the controversial historical versions that followed.  Once again I was moved by the incredible serenity of the battlefield, covered with white markers where soldiers and Native warriors fell, and by the remarkable and provocative Native American memorial, etched in granite on the hillside. 

The team was thrilled when Roger offered to show off the buffalo herd, hanging out several miles outside of town.  These Easterners(and one Californian) aren't used to seeing buffalo roaming around.  Since Roger seemed inclined to stand by the side of the road for hours chatting(and not exactly consistent with Global's safety standards), I decided to invite him for dinner.

After luxurious showers at the fitness center(what a relief!), we joined together for an informative, and humorous dinner.  Roger shared stories of his family, life in Crow, the decline of the youth and Crow culture from his perspective(drugs, alcohol, poverty), while the Mohegans asked questions, compared notes on Native traditions, discussed PowWow traditions.....it was quite an amazing two hours.  I learned more this evening about the Crow people, reservation and history than I did in 10 days last summer.

Now I am exhausted, and heading off to bed with high anticipation for the start of work projects tomorrow.  Painting the head start kitchen, cleaning out the shed, and working in the healing garden are all on the list of possibilities.

Love from Crow Agency,
Barbara