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    "Like most everyone else up here on the Northern Plains, I've always assumed the old-time Indian ponies or 'buffalo horses' of the Western tribes, were long gone and consigned to history. Therefore, I was initially skeptical when my long-time friend, Bob Black Bull said, in 1993, that he wanted to bring them back as part of a program to get youths of the Blackfeet tribe more involved in their traditional culture.

    Among the Plains tribes, the Blackfeet are known for still maintaining most of their ancient ceremonials, including several major medicine bundle rituals and the religious festival known as the Okan or Sun Dance, the Blackfoot Medicine Lodge Ceremony. Even though buffalo no longer supply the tribe with its basic foods nor the materials for clothing and lodges, buffalo spirits continue to be highly honored in all the traditional religious and social events. In fact, the tribe maintains a small herd of buffalo as part of a direct connection with the ancestral past and to give young people the chance to actually see some of these magnificent animals. In this regard, 'buffalo runner' horses are also a historic and cultural link to Blackfoot tradition as well as an important viable economic opportunity for the youth of today.

    On a shoestring budget that, at first, came mostly from the sale of Bob Black Bull's traditional craftwork, he has slowly built up a sizable herd of registered 'buffalo horses', that gives the tribe another link to its past, and the tribe's youths a further opportunity to experience parts of their heritage. Over the years, I've watched in silent admiration as Bob developed the B.B.H.C., a non-profit organization which evolved from his original dream, and gave away many of these prized 'buffalo runners' to many young people in whom he felt there was enthusiasm and commitment to help expand traditional Blackfoot culture.

    There is an active group of tribal youth who come out to the ranch frequently to ride these descendants of their ancestors' transportation, to learn their language, traditional arts/craft work, and experience some of the traditional Blackfoot ceremonies.

    With local and international support, the B.B.H.C. hopes to continue expanding these kinds of cultural opportunities to include many of the tribe's school age children in future programs and projects. This will provide a most worthwhile alternative to the many modern temptations that face these youths in their everyday lives."

  

     "I want to tell you about a 'miracle' that occurred last week with one of our youth. I brought a young man to the ranch last Wednesday as a treatment 'last resort'. He had been in numerous treatment programs, in and out of one school after another, in several districts in the state. In his present school, he is in a special, segregated classroom, with only a few other students, and a full time aide assigned to him to manage his behavior.

    After two hours with the horses of the B.B.H.C., his behavior and schoolwork was described to me as 'AWESOME' since that day. He is participating in class when he did nothing but disrupt the whole class. He is in his assigned class room, on time, when before he was running out of the class to the gym, down the hall, or entering other classrooms. To his teacher, principal, and many others, this may be a 'miracle. I believe it to be the 'magic' of the horses."

 

    "The B.B.H.C. has helped to teach people more about  the horses, how to better care for them , and, eventually, how to train them. I believe this is very important, because both horses and youth benefit from it. This program will also give the youth of our area a safe and interesting activity to be part of. The B.B.H.C. is here to help and educate everyone and everyday I learn something new. It is a great program."

 

    "I am writing this letter to tell you of the wonderful things that Bob Black Bull and the Blackfeet Buffalo  Horse Coalition have done for the youth in our community. Bob has helped countless children find direction in their lives through horsemanship, arts and crafts, and traditional etiquette. Bob has never asked for monetary reimbursement  and has used his own money and resources, countless times, for the operation and survival of the ranch. Bob Black Bull has heart for the children and dreams of what could be accomplished for them."

 

    "My name is Mary Lee Crowe. I am a single parent of four children. I have lived on the Blackfeet Reservation my whole life. My son got into the Blackfeet Buffalo Horse Coalition last year. These people have treated my son as if he were their own. Bob Black Bull has dedicated his life to enriching and helping the youth of the Blackfeet Reservation. He has taught my son so many valuable lessons. He has given my son a second home, a place to go and learn. I do not know what life would be like for my son (and I don't want to know) if he did not have this place to go to. I whole-heartedly support the Blackfeet Buffalo Horse Coalition and any help you can give them is well deserved."

 

    "In support of you and the horses and your sincere concern for the youth of the Blackfeet Reservation, I would like to thank you for your work, perseverance, and genuine love for animals and mankind. My husband, myself, and our five children, and two grandchildren met you a few years ago. Since then, you have taught us not only how important it is to have our Indian horses back, but also a lot about the Blackfeet way of life.

    My children are home schooled and in their spare time you have filled their lives with so many things that we consider important. You have taught them how to be patient with the animals and to learn from them. You have taught my husband (who incidentally is a cowboy and rodeo man from the old school) about a different kind of horse and a different way of training.

    The more I talk about you and what you are doing here, the more people want to be a part of it. You are such an inspiration to our children of the reservation and our elders, we need more people like you. We pray for you, the horses, the children, and the people that you are dealing with who are helping with this buffalo runner project."

 

    "It is with heartfelt pride that we write this letter of support for the Blackfeet Buffalo Horse Coalition. We have had the opportunity to witness your sincere endeavors to bring such a needed 'ranch' home to our people. Further, we see what it is doing to help our younger ones grow in pride, dignity, and self respect.

    Our cultural traditions have been given to us by our Creator, with this we know that all things, including the animals, have spirits. The horses are representative of nature, environment, and our Mother Earth. Living in harmony with all that she provides is innate for us as Blackfeet. We respect this most precious gift - an aspect of our spirituality. B.B.H.C. is filling this void, touching the hearts of our youth, many of whom you have taken under your wing.

    The horses have a unique gift providing a free will, establishing a mentor process for these young people who live and learn with you on the ranch. This therapy is astounding and so rewarding to watch grow. We have seen what the ranch, the horses, and all the kind people have done and will continue to do for our own nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters. When the group from the B.B.H.C. went by in the parade at Indian Days this summer the chills of pride and tears welled in my heart.

    You at the ranch teach pride, dignity, and integrity. The responsibility learned by caring for a horse teaches cooperation, generosity, and, most of all, respect. There are not many other projects that can do this in this fast paced, high-tech world of today. You are doing it. Hats off to you all!! You truly are making a difference."

 

    "It is an honor for me to provide a letter of support for one of the most worthwhile activities offered to the youth on the reservation. Many of my grandchildren have experienced the enjoyment of horseback riding, horse training, and equestrian activities that the Horse Coalition provides them.

    Some of the youth that participate in these needed activities are considered 'at risk' because their parents may work or perhaps the children are from single parent homes. This is the situation with my granddaughter. She comes from a single parent home. Her mother cannot afford a horse. Nonetheless, you saw to it last summer that she had a horse to ride everyday while at youth camp. They took her on numerous horse riding activities, camping, training, and entered her in a horse jumping competition. That competition was the highlight of her summer. Horse whispering was another class that kept her intently at the ranch.

    You have given freely of yourselves for the betterment, education, health, and welfare of the children. It is your kind of compassion that instills trust, self respect, pride, and dignity in the minds and hearts of out children. Our reservation has become a better place to live because of the horse experience that you have given to our children and grandchildren.

    Your endless support to the youth of the Blackfeet reservation is favorably received. You're rewarded by the health of this community."

 

    "I really appreciate what you've done for our people, bringing back the buffalo horses, and am especially proud of what you're doing for the children. There are not nearly enough people actually working at providing healthy life-lasting experiences for our youth. Creating your ranch specifically for our children, teaching them our ancient ways by having them bond with what was once a part of our lifeblood, wild horses, will serve them better than any book or classroom.

    My family wishes you continued success in fulfilling your dreams of helping the youth of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation."

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