Native Art Fundraiser: Harvest Moon Ball in Glacier National Park

I absolutely enjoy attending the Harvest Moon Ball in early fall at Glacier National Park. This is the annual community fundraising event sponsored by local Blackfeet Tribe of Montana citizens. It’s one of the greatest examples I’ve seen where a local reservation community draws upon its natural resources — the inherent artistic talent of tribal citizens — to make a positive difference for the future. In this case, the Harvest Moon Ball folks, led by Elouise Cobell and Steven Powell, have created a community foundation that continues to grow every year. In 2005, art auction and dinner tickets netted $56,000 for the Blackfeet Community Foundation. In 2007, organizers raised $97,000 on auction items. In recent years, the foundation draws upon home-grown artists, such as King Kuka, Ernie Pepion, Leonda Fast Buffalo Horse, David Dragonfly and Terrance Guardipee.

Early fall is a magical time of year to be in Glacier National Park. Mark your calendars for Sept. 26, 2009 and reserve a room at the grand Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, Mont.

Call Steven Powell in Browning, Mont. for more information: 406-338-2992 Jodi Rave