Monty Roberts holds an equine training demonstration in Butte. Monty and
Pat Roberts donate over $5,000 to the B.B.H.C. Here they are visiting the
ranch, receiving a rare handcrafted braided buffalo hair halter and
lead line.
Carlos LoPopolo visited the ranch with his crew to draw blood for DNA analysis.
The blood samples were compared to DNA samples from the Spanish Colonial
archeological record dating back to the early 1500's. The B.B.H.C. horses
score very high and some are found to be foundation root stock - an exciting
confirmation! Carlos also brought a film crew from Animal Planet.
A total of 33 foals were born this year, the last on Dec 28th. (Thankfully,
he was born
with a very fuzzy coat.)
The B.B.H.C. negotiated a one year extension of the lease/purchase
agreement. We have until April 1st, 2002 to raise sufficient funds to
purchase the ranch. Thank you Creator -- hear our prayers.
Election of Board members. For the first time, all officers of the Board of Directors are
enrolled Blackfeet, and the remainder of the Board is 73% Native American.
See Board of Directors for the listing.
The B.B.H.C. started programs with Golden Triangle Mental Health Services.
Five youths at a time visited the Seven Eagles Ranch three times per week to
learn Blackfeet language skills and cultural traditions with Shirlee Crow
Shoe and to work with horses. The
Golden Triangle staff noted "remarkable significant progress" in
their young people attending the B.B.H.C. youth development horse program.
The Heart Butte Drug Elimination Program brought youth to the ranch to
work with the horses.
Dr. Doug Hammill brought an elder hostel group to the ranch for the day.
Glenbow Museum in Calgary commissioned Bob to make a buffalo hide tipi and
liner that will occupy a full-floor Blackfeet exhibit.
Abigail Hornik organized the B.B.H.C. administrative systems and put a
new filing system in place.
A float entered in the North American Indian Days Parade, promoting the
B.B.H.C., Golden Triangle, and the Heart Butte Youth Drug Elimination
Program.
Bob Black Bull taught many classes at the ranch. A few include:
Hide-tanning (deer and elk) for ages 11 to 14. (This process
requires a great deal of upper back and arm strength and a healthy release
of abundant teenage energy that might otherwise find counter productive
outlets. Hide-tanning ,like other skills, produces esteem-building
occupational accomplishments consistent with traditional beliefs),
Making moccasins from deer (akáwakas) and elk (pónoka) hides.
Drying meat (guy-ie) and making pemmican.
Drying chokecherries.
The B.B.H.C. Horse and Youth Development process is being shared with
other Horse Nations tribes who are similarly awakening their youth to the
ethnic pride of horsemanship, old-time values, and cultural roots. There is
much community synergy.