2017 People of Big River 02

Day 8 People Of the Big River2017 Class Sunday July 16 th 2017 Arrival at the Wellpinit reservation powwow and stick game sheds was great; By absolute coincidence I met the local and famous artist Rick Sherwood, Rick had run out of gas and was curious about who Us Natives camping; It turns out he had done the colorful artwork placed sporatically around the grounds above the doorways and such. I got a good feeling from his welcome. It was good medicine to introduce myself to this area in a good way. I would like to highlight a few things that are cool and essential to my health and academic career while here at Wellpinit. First, I think it was great that the Compass treasure hunt (Geocaching 202) was hosted by Pedro; I think use of the compass should be practiced a lot more and Pedro was good about explaining the many different uses of the compass and kept it simple and interesting.

Day 5 July 14 th Yesterdays Mid-morning presentation at the First stop along the Umatilla River was a basic reminder of stream health and restoration modifications. Trial and error of re-vegetation projects seemed to be the most beneficial in the long-run. Wenix described how miscalculations had lead to loss of native species transplanting efforts along the river banks. I believe that is ok though, continuing to learn what works and what does not work is a very important in restoration; in most cases making mistakes can be more beneficial to a tribal program. The things that were discussed along our cruise with Wenix went everywhere from 49 singing, family relationships, failed relationships, tribal programs, school, grant writing, Networking in Higher Education, Pow Wow politics, Bigfoot, succeeding as a college student and applying knowledge from internships. Wenix is very knowledgeable and was not afraid to share any and everthing from her personal experience. ...

Thursday July 13 th 2017 Day 4: Woke up in Niix ya way (Pendleton area and Umatilla Indian Country) So in my excitement and early rising I faced the Eastern Sunrise from the lawn of our hostess' The very well known Wenix Redelk and sister Acosia and said a prayer for our safe arrival. I also felt a restless leg syndrome from traveling all day Wednesday and passing out with the famous chili mac the night before. To say the least I was feeling groggy and glad that the new day had more exciting things planned besides traveling and taking in the scenery of the River which was good regardless. I got good pictures. So after introducing myself to the land I did a mildly intense jog around the Longhouse which was right across the street. I went up the hill and got the heart rate cruising at the speed I enjoy. Breakfast was good and I coffeed up and went on to the first scheduled presentation at the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Governance...

Wednesday July 12 th 2017 The Big River Crew awoke once again next to the Crashing and delightful sounds of a stream; The powerful Deschutes. As I listened to the gentle whispering winds as they breezed through the tall Ponderosa Pines scattered all around me I felt very calm and content in splashing my face and hands with the cool waters of the Deschutes for the last time on the Big River 2017 trip. It was very bitter sweet, seeing how this is my favorite ritual wherever I go, it does not matter what reservation, what forest, day camping trip or even cruise through a pass to a new destination, I keep it real in my love for all running water sources. I feel alive and awake when I do so and it is food for my soul. My soul awakens, my spirit is renewed. It was my parents and grandparents who made it clear that the wild and running cold water will always take care of me, center me and lead me home if I ever feel lost. This was my first Deschutes camping experience...

                                                                                                            Mike Buck July 11 th , 2017 Day three: People of the Big River Field Class             This morning was started with the sound of a beating drum. It was decided the day before we left Heritage University that a drum would be brought along. It made sense in all aspects. Cristy Fiande...

July 10 2017 ;   Mike Buck             Day two; was waking up a little earlier than the projected 630. It was after a pretty hardy breakfast of Fried Taters, sausage and scrambled that we as a crew The People of the Big River Field Class were put on the spot to work together to make it to the first scheduled stop two hours ahead of preliminary estimated time of arrival; so dishes and cleanup had to be done expeditiously. Upon arrival to the Lava Butte Cinder Cone located on the Deschutes National Forest Main Office and Park headquarters we were introduced to a host of great speakers and generally environmentally friendly people. The cohort of individuals spoke of many things and the main focus was The “Collaborative Governance” that takes place each and every day to maintain the various foresting and land management issues faced by the park lands. I found it most interesting that among the speakers I learned of the “C...

It has been a hot and early Morning (July 9th, 2017---Day 1) The day was supposed to begin at 8 am but the majority of people really began to move around and draw together around 9am. I feel like a brand newbie to be honest. I have been a little iffy on the whole idea, Not because I don't believe it will be a blast but because it is smack dab in the middle of the summer and has caused a lot of scheduling issues (2 weeks seems to be a long time; but I am sure it will fly by)  In the summer of 2015 I will always remember that by pure accident or coincidence I happened to meet Dr. Jessica Black and the whole crew from the People of the Big River Class at a longhouse in Coeur D Alene. The short meeting was cool and I thought it was a cool concept, it was only later that I realized that Dr. Black would eventually pull me into the Field Class as an Environmental Science major and she would eventually become my advisor.