2018 People of Big River

My memory brought me back to years ago (in the early 70’s) when my family camped in teepees and brought old huckleberry baskets made by my great-grandmother.   Like an old basket, woven with love and care, our minds have many guarded memories about our closed areas.   There are enrolled members of youth who have amazing leadership potential, who must realize how precariously our ecosystems exist.   Our closed areas guard and protect sacred sites that the tribe protects by preserve their existence.

“People of the Big River” continues to surprise me!   Heritage University has as amazing potential for teaching new students about environmental issues in the Indigenous Nations.   This year is highlighted by an adventure into Yakama Nation’s closed area.   Students very respectfully absorb the teachings of Yakama tribal members who have lived and worked in this environmental sector for years.   Doug Olney has graciously assisted our staff in guiding our potential future leaders a pathway into a new era of education toward sustainability. It’s crazy.   All the preparations that I had made for this trip seemed to wither away, as the day to leave came like a March wind!   I’m glad that our tribal leaders allowed this portion of the trip to take place.   The kids from White Swan are eager to travel and see new things.