"We've had lots of obstacles to overcome to get it going, but we overcame all of them," said North American Indian Days Committee member Wanda Glaze Monday, July 7, about the upcoming celebration in Browning. Glaze said they estimated needing around $195,000 to do the job completely this year, but the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council was only able to contribute around $150,000.
So it came down to soliciting donations. "We needed around $195,000 to make it great," Glaze said, "so we solicited companies and local businesses. We got lots of donations from people outside Browning. We made up the difference, thanks to supportive people and lots of Cut Bank businesses."
Glacier County has been busy mowing the grass at the campgrounds, and Clyde Home Gun headed up efforts to clean the area and get it ready for the celebration. "The campground is nice and clean now," said Glaze, adding a list of those sponsoring NAID will be posted on the Arbor Office.
This year's emcees include Jay St. Goddard and Sooney Little Plume, as well as a guest from Canada, Russell Red Crow. The theme this29sear is outgoing Chairman Earl Old Person's 50 years of service to the Tribe, and it features the Earl Old Person Chicken Dance Special at 3 p.m. Saturday, followed by a feed and a giveaway.
The action starts on Wednesday, July 9, at All Chiefs Park in Browning, for the annual celebration of Blackfeet Youth Day. Activities for kids of all ages will be featured all day long at All Chiefs Park.
The annual Carnival will once again be at NAID, but it will be located next to the campgrounds, as it was two years ago, making it handier for youngsters staying in the tents and lodges. Big parking areas are set aside on both the northeast and west ends of the campgrounds for those driving to the event.
Inaugural ceremonies for the four newly elected members of the BTBC are slated for 10 a.m. Thursday morning, July 10. Voters placed Reis Fisher, Peter Tatsey, Henry Butterfly and TJ Show in the four Council seats up for grabs this election season. They will officially take office July 10, voting that day to decide who among nine Councilmen will be Tribal Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary.
"We have lots of big prizes this year," Glaze continued, with $10,000 being offered the winner of the drum contest. Thursday's first Grand Entry is set for 1 p.m., but dancing for points begins that evening at 7 p.m. Another big event on Thursday is the Tal Michaels Memorial Rodeo at Charging Home Park.
Friday starts out with the Mayor's Cup Run, starting at 9 a.m. at City Park in downtown Browning. Friday also marks the opening of most of the rodeo events at NAID, including Indian Relay and Horse Racing and the INFR Tour Rodeo, all at Charging Home Park.
Saturday it's the NAID Parade. Lineup starts at 10 a.m. and the parade itself begins at 11 a.m., sharp. As soon as the parade is over, everyone will make their way to the Dance Arbor for the first Grand Entry on Saturday.
There's something for everybody at this year's North American Indian Days, and the toughest part might be choosing which one to experience first.
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