1997 Sweet Grass Hills Encampment
A full moon, warm fall weather, and the rich healthy environment of the Sweet Grass Hills welcomed the participants of this falls encampment. Curly Bear Wagner and Ruth Burleigh hosted this four day encampment located at the Whitlash 4-H picnic and campgrounds. Tours were taken to Bear's Den (not to be mistaken for Curly Bear's apartment), Writing on Stone Park in Alberta Canada, West, Middle (Gold), and East Butte, and Devil's Chimney Cave. Numberous informal discussions focusing on a variety of topics were held throughout the encampment. The rich resources and spiritual values of the Sweetgrass Hills can only be appreciated by such experiences.
On Saturday morning, the third day of the encampment, a group of seven volunteered to run the first Four Direction run in the Hills. Beginning at the south side of West Butte the runners traveled down the country road to Miner's Coulee, up the steep hillside to the town site of Gold Butte, over the gravel and dirt roads ending on the north side of East Butte. The weather was perfect, not too hot, a cool mild breeze and a view of the world from a very special place. At great deal of credit goes to Blackfeet artist and runner, Barbara Gerard Mitchell for the special and successful run.
Discussions lead to the continued planning and development of an encampment site in the Hills and finding a permanent solution to the preservation and protection issues.
It was decided that the next encampment will be held at Writing on Stone Park in Alberta, Canada on the third weekend of September 1998. This developed camp site will provide a model for guests while considering the options and goals for the Sweet Grass Hills to the south. All interested, especially the elders, college students, and school age students and faculty are encouraged to begin making plans for this special event. Details will be posted on the EVENTS page as they are developed. Events
For those who could not join us, you were thought of, and special prayers were said...we all missed you and wish you well....Curly Bear Wagner and Ruth Burleigh on behalf of the Sweet Grass Hills Protection Association and Blackfeet Community College.