The 2009 River Honoring begins Monday

MOEISE VALLEY — The 2009 River Honoring begins Monday, May 4 at 6 p.m. at the traditional River Honoring site. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the opening of the River Honoring. The gathering will begin with the announcement of the 2009 River Honorees followed by a free barbeque at the conclusion of the community gathering.

Over 800 fourth and fifth graders will travel from all across the Reservation on Tuesday and Wednesday to attend the River Honoring. This two-day outdoor environmental education event provides students an opportunity to increase their public awareness, education and community involvement in the preservation of natural and cultural resources along the Lower Flathead River.

The River Honoring combines tribal and community resource specialists and educators from Tribal Fisheries Program, Tribal Wildlife Program, Tribal Wildland Recreation, Water Quality, Air Quality, Tribal Forestry Department, Native American traditional games, Health Education, and Tribal Division of Fire. Educational programs will demonstrate projects and activities that educate students about the river and its ecosystem.

To attend the River Honoring, turn west at Ronan onto Round Butte Road and drive eight miles west, turn south on Moiese Valley Road. Drive six miles to the teepee camp educational stations along the Lower Flathead River.

The community is invited to join the Tribes and attend the finest outdoor environmental educational event in the area.

For additional information, please call Germaine White, Information and Education Specialist or Lester Bigcrane, Wildland Recreation Program at (406) 883-2888.