Would you like to connect more with our Blackfeet and Native neighbors to the East, but don’t know how? We have an exciting opportunity to volunteer and camp on a ranch in the heart of Blackfeet country, on land with 10,000 years of living history, and learn through volunteering your time, sweat, and muscle to support a sacred ceremony taking place: The Blackfeet Sun Dance.
This is a special opportunity to be welcomed to Blackfeet ancestral lands, pitch a tent or bring a camper, (port a potties and water are provided) with beautiful views of the plains to the east and the Mistaakis (Backbone of the World) to the west. This will be a volunteer trip, so every day will have different outdoor tasks to construct the Sun Lodge in preparation for this sacred ceremony. There will be plenty of outdoors physical labor, but many hands make light work! There are also opportunities to help in the kitchen, as the volunteers will need to eat too. We will be asking participants to bring some ingredients to contribute to our meals while we are present.
The work days for preparing the Sun Lodge are Tues June 23, Wed June 24, and Thurs June 25. The ceremony begins on Thurs June 25 and goes through the weekend Sun June 28. Please contact us in advance if you would like to stay for the ceremony.
Since this is volunteering, you can dedicate as many days as you wish between Tues-Thurs. Anything you can offer is appreciated. Of course, the more you are able to stay and participate, the more you will gain in cultural learning and understanding. As they say around ceremonies, the best way to learn is to show up and help, watch, and listen.
Once you register, Leanette will reach out to answer any questions you may have and give you directions to the Kipp ranch. Plan to bring all your camping gear and be prepared for inclement weather conditions. Three main meals will be provided but please bring any personal drinks or snacks. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity!