Boxing Mantid and a Longhouse Home

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Woke up in Wellpinit. First order of business was blogs. We went to the school to blog. After blogging, Chay found some interesting friends.

Chay has 3 mantises on her head and they do not seem to like one another!

After we were done blogging at Wellpinit. We hit the road and headed to Coeur d'Alene. It was not a long trip and again the girls made it entertaining.

They wasted no time! We were met by Bobbie White and Gina, the Natural Resources Education and Outreach Specialists, soon as we arrived, we hit the ground running and were given a PowerPoint session by Laura Laumatia, the Lake Management Plan Coordinator.

Laura (center) and Gina (right)

I learned alot about the CDA Tribe, the reservation and the area in general. It was interesting to see information that the public has access to but chooses to ignore. After Laura was done teaching us about the background, we were introduced to Audra Vincent, the Language Program Director, and Michelle Clark, a Language Instructor.

Audra Vincent (standing) and Michelle Clark (seated).

We were then invited to join in on the First Food Feast at the longhouse. It was truly an honor to be at this feast as it was the first that the CDA tribe has had in around 100 years.

Judy and Tarrel before the feast.

First food feast.

Chrissy and Alyssa prepare for the swan dance.

Alyssa, Chaylene and Chrissy.

Chay antipating our meal at the longhouse.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has been very welcoming and the experience so far has been great. I hope the surprises and the wealth of knowledge given on us continue.