Indigenous Vision is happy to report the Grand Opening of the Bear Gulch Pictographs Visitor Center in Forest Grove, Montana was an absolute success! Together with the Ahlgren family and a whole lot of amazing volunteers, June 28th became a truly historic event. Thanks to everyone who helped us set up the event that saw nearly 100 visitors, eager to visit the pictographs and visitor center, and learn about some of the history from a truly Indigenous perspective.
The day started off with everyone getting a good look at the Dream Tipi we raffled off that day, (congrats again to Wendy who was our lucky winner this year), followed by opening remarks from Jesse Desrosier who was soon joined by Arlan Edwards who sang a song to honor the day. Land owner and friend Macie shared a few words on why this collaboration between Indigenous Vision and other community members is so important for preserving the pictographs and strengthening our friendship and relationships for generations to come. Souta Calling Last spoke about the land and the importance of having an Indigenous presence after 100 years. Then came the very first Pipe Ceremony in over 100 years on the land to officially get the grand opening underway.
Guests in attendance not only got see what Indigenous protocol is, they were also treated to our gift giving session where we honored everyone who made the visitor center possible; a special Star Quilt was gifted to Souta Calling Last by Melissa Spence of the Anishinaabe Nation for all her hard work not just with the visitor center, but with being the strong, brilliant, and humble leader of Indigenous Vision for the past ten years. Blackfoot Elder Mike Bruised Head sang an honor song for her incredible work.
Once the ribbon was cut all attendees were invited inside the visitor center to experience this one of kind, Indigenous-led narrative on the land and pictographs.
Thank you again to every single person who made this day what is was; your generous help made history. If you’re going to be in the Lewistown area of Montana, we recommend that you visit the Bear Gulch Pictograph Visitor Center in Forest Grove. You can also schedule a hike and male camping arrangements here: https://beargulch.net/
