Tyler Childers‘ $500,000 Donation Transforms Blackfeet Nation Initiatives
Kentucky-born singer-songwriter Tyler Childers has quietly become a notable benefactor to the Blackfeet Nation, donating a total of $500,000 over the past year to support vital community programs. The donations, largely unpublicized until recently, are bolstering efforts in language preservation, food sovereignty, and cultural education within the Montana-based tribe.
A Fortuitous Connection
the relationship began a few years ago when Childers met Shawn Old Chief, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, during a hide tanning class. This initial encounter sparked a friendship that drew Childers to learn more about the Blackfeet Nation and its needs. This connection highlights the power of cross-cultural exchange and the potential for meaningful partnerships.
Funds at Work: supporting Blackfeet Communities
In august of last year, Childers hosted a concert on Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana, with all proceeds benefiting the Blackfeet Tribe. Eleven different organizations within the Nation received funding from the concert,supplemented by additional contributions from the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund,established by Childers and his wife,Senora May. Following a performance at the Under The big sky Music festival earlier this year, Childers personally visited the Blackfeet Reservation to meet representatives from the funded organizations and provided further donations to those groups, as well as five additional initiatives.
Recipients include sports programs – wrestling, softball, boxing, and rodeo – the Browning Public School District, Ohkomi Forensics, and the Two Powers Land Collective. This broad range of support demonstrates Childers’ commitment to holistic community advancement.
Did You Know? The Blackfeet nation, also known as the Niitsitapi, traditionally occupied a vast territory spanning present-day Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
| Institution | Focus Area | Funding Received (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Blackfeet Eco Knowledge (BEK) | language Revitalization | $37,000 |
| food Access and sustainability Team (FAST) Blackfeet | Food Security & Sovereignty | $10,000+ (ongoing) |
| BackpackerS Ferry | Cultural Education & Tourism | $10,000 |
| Various sports Programs | Youth Development | Variable |
Revitalizing the blackfeet Language
One of the most impactful initiatives supported by Childers’ donations is the Baby-Elder Language Project, spearheaded by Blackfeet Eco Knowledge (BEK). The blackfoot language, Nitsiipohwaasin, is classified as endangered by UNESCO, with fewer than 5,000 first-language speakers remaining as of 2016 [UNESCO Endangered Languages Atlas]. BEK’s innovative program aims to cultivate new first-language speakers by pairing infants with elders in immersive language sessions.
“There’s the dialect, the nuanced sounds that we have that are unique to our language and the babies need to hear those sounds, the phonemic sounds in order for it to be stored in their brain,” explained Lona Running Wolf, co-CEO of BEK. The program, launched in January, involves elders narrating activities and interacting with babies in Nitsiipohwaasin, while also providing grammar lessons for parents.Initial results have been promising, with babies demonstrating comprehension of basic commands after just ten sessions.
BEK has also implemented a QR code program in partnership with Glacier Family Foods, allowing shoppers to scan codes next to food items to hear the Nitsiipohwaasin name and pronunciation.This initiative aims to integrate the language into daily life and promote cultural awareness.
Strengthening Food Sovereignty and Community Access
The Food Access and Sustainability Team (FAST) Blackfeet utilized childers’ funding to sustain operations, including a food pantry serving approximately 400 families weekly, cooking classes, and a household gardening initiative. The donation also enabled the purchase of a new pickup truck, crucial for reaching remote communities during winter months. FAST Blackfeet is actively working to restore traditional food systems disrupted by colonization, providing access to culturally relevant foods and educating community members on their planning.
“His funding helped keep our pantry stocked with healthy, also culturally relevant foods,” said Iris Sharp, assistant director at FAST Blackfeet. The organization recognizes the importance of not only providing access to traditional foods but also empowering individuals with the knowledge to incorporate them into their diets.
Pro Tip: Supporting local food initiatives is a powerful way to promote food security and cultural preservation within Indigenous communities.
Backpacker’s Ferry: Bridging culture and Tourism
Backpacker’s Ferry, a Blackfeet-owned and operated shuttle and education service, received $10,000 from Childers, enabling them to expand their fleet and hire additional employees. The service provides transportation to remote areas of Glacier National Park and the Bob marshall Wilderness, while also offering culturally informed tours and educational experiences. Christen Falcon and Wyett Wippert, the founders, emphasize the importance of sharing Blackfeet history and land-based knowledge with visitors.
“Being able to provide crucial knowledge to visitors of the first inhabitants of this place,how we are still stewards of this land,” Falcon stated.”We highly educate visitors of place-based knowledge and how they themselves could be able to take care of their communities and help shift viewpoint.”
What impact do you think increased cultural awareness will have on tourism in the region? How can individuals support Indigenous-led initiatives like these?
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
Childers’ considerable donation represents a pivotal moment for the Blackfeet Nation, providing crucial resources for long-term sustainability. the success of these initiatives hinges on continued funding, community engagement, and the preservation of cultural knowledge. The focus on language revitalization,in particular,is critical,as language is inextricably linked to cultural identity and well-being. According to a study by the National Academies of Sciences, engineering, and Medicine, language revitalization efforts can have profound positive impacts on Indigenous communities, fostering self-determination and cultural resilience [National Academies Press].
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of the Blackfeet Nation’s language revitalization efforts? The Nitsiipohwaasin language is endangered, and preserving it is vital for maintaining cultural identity and heritage.
- How is Tyler Childers’ donation impacting food security on the Blackfeet Reservation? The funds are supporting a food pantry, cooking classes, and a gardening initiative, increasing access to healthy and culturally relevant foods.
- what is Backpacker’s Ferry and how does it contribute to the community? it’s a Blackfeet-owned shuttle service that provides transportation and cultural education to visitors.
- What is the role of the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund? It’s a fund established by Tyler Childers and his wife to support charitable causes, including those benefiting the Blackfeet Nation.
- How can I support the Blackfeet Nation? You can donate to the organizations mentioned in this article, support Blackfeet-owned businesses, and advocate for Indigenous rights.
We hope this article has shed light on the astounding work being done within the blackfeet Nation and the generous support of Tyler Childers. We encourage you to share this story with your networks, leave a comment below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful reporting.
