Global Volunteers return for 21st summer on the Reservation

Each summer since 2000 (except for 2020), Global Volunteers has worked in partnerships with the Blackfeet people on community priorities – focusing on labor, elder services and family health and recreation projects. The first volunteer team in 2022 – 10 individuals aged 19 to 73 – served from June 5-11. Thirteen service programs will follow through early October. 

Volunteers are hosted by Blackfeet Manpower and lodged by the BUMP Mission. Long-standing service projects are coordinated by Eagle Shield, Blackfeet Care Center, Blackfeet Child and Family Services and various tribal offices. 

A new service partnership for Global Volunteers for the second year is with the Blackfeet Food Access and Sustainability Team (FAST Blackfeet), supported by FNDI Strengthening Native Programs, Feeding Families grants, First Nations Development Institute and individual FAST donors.

One of the goals of FAST Blackfeet is to help the community access traditional foods such as traditional medicinal teas and local bison used in nutrition classes and the Ō´yō´•ṗ´ Food Pantry.

Local organizers said they’re grateful for the influx of new volunteers every week, especially as the summer depletes local volunteers. The Global Volunteers started on the first day of service filling boxes for families of three to five people with dry goods to be distributed.

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