Leadership Montana Classroom Reflection: Indigenous Immersion Initiative Reflection: John Morrison, Helena, Class of 2005 and III 2022
Masters Class Session: Carson Sweeney
April 30, 2022
Flagship Session: Leadership MT participants learn about Glendive
April 30, 2022

CLASSROOM REFLECTION

John Morrison, Helena, Class of 2005 and III 2022

Indigenous Immersion Initiative Reflection

Session 1 

Chuck Winn, Bozeman, Class of 2015, Masters 2019, and III 2022


Our “No blame, no shame, and no guilt” were among the first words our host Marci greeted us with at the opening session of our class. I had major portions of all three as it related to Native Americans and felt like an imposter attending Leadership Montana’s first Indigenous Immersion Initiative. For this experience to be meaningful, she said, we had to shed those feelings and get real and be real with each other. Okay, here it goes; time to fess up.

Blame. One of the questions put up on the screen read something like this; “why can’t Native Americans just pick themselves up by the bootstraps and fix what’s wrong in their lives?” I had to admit, on occasion, I’ve wondered the same thing. We learned about generational trauma and how when culture, traditions, and families are stomped out, so often too goes pride and hope. There is no magical quick fix for trauma like this and what is inflicted over generations takes acknowledgment, continued effort and time to remedy. We learned there are great things happening in our Native American communities and there are things we can all do to make tomorrow better than yesterday and begin to heal.

Shame. Montana history fascinates me and I am especially captivated by the rich history of Butte. I’ve studied the Copper Kings and can almost recite F. Augustus Heinzie’s 1903 speech on the steps of the Butte Courthouse. But, at the same time, before this experience, I couldn’t tell you how many reservations are in Montana or how many Tribes are recognized in our state. And I call myself a Montanan?

Guilt. Growing up in Billings, I was around racism more than I’d like to admit. Oftentimes, it was laying just below the surface bubbling up through snide comments about the reservation or the number of 22-dash plates around town. Sometimes I heard hateful name-calling and didn’t confront those spewing those hurtful words. I look back on that decades later and feel horrible. I had no Native American friends but didn’t seek out any either. I was comfortable in my little bubble and left that other world outside.

I write this only to put words to my thoughts. These are my reflections and I own them. What I have come to understand is that we can attack the idea of racism without attacking the person with those views. Attacking people creates divides and builds walls while discussing ideas openly and courageously builds relationships which can bring real change and transformation (Gracious Space, anyone?). We can never heal that which we refuse to acknowledge. Marci showed me that being able to talk openly about the history and experience of Montana’s Native peoples is the first step in truly understanding their experience, our collective role in that experience, and through that, building a bridge where compassion, understanding, respect, and appreciation for the rich culture, generational experiences and immense pride of Montana’s Native peoples can change our state and the world.

I am grateful to be on this odyssey with a group of incredible tour guides. Thank you Marci, Samuel, Jim, Cinda, and Misty for your patience, honesty, and courage in walking alongside this old white guy. I know our journey has just begun but I know the destination will be worth every step.