Bison Range celebration approaches
Taylor Davison
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FLATHEAD RESERVATION — The Bison Range Restoration Celebration, May 20-22, honors the transfer of the federal wildlife refuge established in 1908 to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
The three-day celebration begins at 10 a.m. Friday at the range, located south of Charlo in Moiese, with an opening prayer, honor song, and honor guard. Lunch will be served in the picnic area from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., followed by a powwow and Native games.
On Saturday, festivities move to the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo for a 2 p.m. screening of a film about the origins of the bison herd, “In the Spirit of Atatice,” at the Johnny Arlee and Vic Charlo Theatre. The poignant film tells the story of how a young Salish man, seeing the destruction of the vast herds that once roamed the plains, sought to bring a handful over the mountains. His son eventually accomplished that feat, rescuing a handful of orphan calves, who are among the progenitors of the Bison Range herd.
A community meal will be served after the film, followed by a celebration at 4 p.m., both in the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center.
On Sunday, half-price passes are available at the Bison Range during Community Appreciation Day.
For more information, visit www.BisonRange.org.
