Bird Festival returns to valley
Eugene Beckes photo
A single hummingbird takes flight.
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PABLO – The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resource Department and Salish Kootenai College will host the fourth annual Community Bird Festival May 5 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Joe McDonald Fitness Center and the Johnny Arlee Victor Charlo Theater.
“We are delighted by the past community participation and support for the Community Bird Festival,” said Whisper Camel-Means, one of the event organizers.
The goals of this event are to celebrate birds, both migrating and residential, and bring community together.
“The festival was intended to create community understanding and enthusiasm for migratory birds and this event clearly shows that family oriented events such as this one are a great way to share information and bring people together,” said Janene Lichtenberg, another event organizer.
Local third grade artists from across the reservation have completed entries for Bird Day poster contest. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the lobby of the CSKT complex in Pablo through Thursday, April 28, to vote. The entry with the most votes will receive a “People’s Choice Award.” Special prizes will be awarded to the winners, who will be announced during the opening ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Johnny Arlee and Victor Charlo Theater. Refreshments will be served. Students who participated will have their artwork prominently displayed at the event.
“We are pleased by the continued growth of the Bird Festival and work to keep the event interesting to newcomers and returning visitors alike,” said Camel-Means.
This year’s event is made possible by financial support from the CSKT Natural Resource Department, Mission Mountain Audubon, and the Cadeau Foundation.
2016 marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. On Aug. 16, 1916, the United States signed a treaty with Canada — the very first of its kind — to protect migratory birds from overconsumption. One hundred years later, these treaty agreements to protect and manage cross boundary bird species continue to provide the foundation for bird conservation in nesting areas, feeding areas, and throughout migratory routes.
For more information on International Migratory Bird Day visit www.birdday.org or contact Whisper Camel-Means or Germaine White at 406-883-2888.
