Arlee holds first community-wide Earth Day celebration

Arlee kids and community members celebrated Earth Day last Friday with a slew of events around the town.

The day began with a Morning Song with Elder Pat Pierre and then a blessing. Shortly after, volunteers planted native trees and plants along the Jocko Valley bike trail and walking trails behind the Arlee Fitness Center.

From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., activities centered around educating celebrators about pollinators. There were also presentations about native plants, teas from local plants and demonstrations about native plant salves.

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., participants played Native games at the high school field or were doing a clean-up for the community Elders.

The day finished with a live concert by Andre Floyd.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes donated all the native plants and Arlee Apiaries helped with the pollinators presentations.

Jenny Fowler, Youth Activities Coordinator for Circle of Trust Youth Council, said this years’ celebration was a success and sees potential for the future. “I’m hoping that for years to follow we will see it grow and see more community members be involved,” she said.

A collaboration between Arlee Community Development Corporation and Circle of Trust Youth Council made Arlee’s first community-wide Earth Day celebration possible.