Jesse DesRosier, Amskapi Piikani, Blackfeet Tribal Member, is a teacher of the Blackfeet Language. He teaches at The Piegan Institute's Cuts Wood School and Blackfeet Community College in Browning, Montana. Jesse is also an artist, a community and cultural advocate, a Veteran, a husband, and father. Jesse shares with us about the intricate connection of the Blackfeet Language to the land and how Blackfeet ways of life are directly embodied in the language. Following two centuries of forceful assimilation policies, the existence of the Blackfeet Language was threatened as of 20 years ago, as there were no young speakers remaining. With efforts from within the community, such as The Piegan Institute, started by the late Darrell Kipp, there are over 100 new language learners who are carrying it on. Jesse shares the hope he gains from witnessing the young members of the community connecting to their culture. He also speaks to the connections to the Badger-Two Medicine area and the significance of this land being stewarded by the Blackfeet people.

Links:

The Piegan Institute

Jesse's Art Page on IG

Badger-Two Medicine, article from Flathead Beacon 

This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at  LifeintheLand.org

This episode was Co-Produced by Lailani Upham of Iron Shield Creative.

Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction