Events build community
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Editor,
Four very recent events stand out for me in substantiating what I see as a very important and significant movement for community building, both nationally and right here in the Mission Valley.
1. As reported in the Nov. 20 Valley Journal article, “Tribal leaders meet with president, Cabinet, congressman.” This describes in some detail the recent meeting that President Obama had with “Confederated Salish and Kootanai Tribal Council members Carole Depoe Lankford and Joe Durglo” in the “West Wing on Nov. 12 along with a dozen other Native American representatives.” Our nations top leadership’s attitude and influence cannot help but move America forward in federal/states unity of purpose and the equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, color, and creed.
2. The SKC Veteran’s Group sponsored “Veterans Honoring Veterans Round Dance” on Nov. 8 at the SKC Joe McDonald Health and Athletic Center, a wonderful experience of reaching out to all people in our nearby communities. This was the first event of this kind.
3. The Greater Polson Community Foundation’s $100,000, two-year grant received from The Orton Family Foundation, launching a program officially called a “Heart & Soul Community Planning Grant,” with the purpose “to change the way small cities and towns engage their citizens and plan for the future.” This program reaches well beyond the Polson borders, and can have very growth-positive influences throughout the valley.
4. The pre-inaugural dinner for SKC President Robert DePoe III on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and the formal inauguration Wednesday, Nov. 20. The SKC “Capturing The Vision” philosophy and programs educate and inspire our near-future leaders and followers alike in building a stronger, more cooperative, and ultimately successful land of the free and healthy home of our loved ones.
Why these four events, and why do I see them as inter-related and significant? Because all of us who live on or near the Flathead Indian Reservation benefit from strong, compassionate, progressive and dynamic leadership regardless of our backgrounds. Backgrounds brought us to where we are now. And “now” is the only time we have. Build wisely upon the “now” and the future is secure.
Bob McClellan
Polson
