Five students from St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana—Gracie Littlebird, Cedar Chase, Keanna Left Hand, Tommy Pretty Paint, and JC Roan—studied beadwork and learned essential museum practices by going through all the steps needed to exhibit the items in an exhibit case. Their experience is part of a collaborative program between St. Labre and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
In their words, some highlights of the visit include the vaults. “We enjoyed looking at the objects that were too old and fragile to display,” Keanna said.
“I got to feed Hayabusa the peregrine falcon,” JC remarked.
Tommy mentioned, “I liked seeing all the various museums. The Plains Indian Museum was my favorite.”
Gracie also enjoyed the vaults, “I liked seeing all the artifacts that nobody else has a chance to see.”
“I liked it when we got to shape the plexiglass for our artifacts in the mount-making session,” Cedar described.
The students were accompanied by instructors Philippe Framquelin and Cecilia Bahr-Thex.
“I am always impressed with the quality of work and the condition of the artifacts. On this trip I really enjoyed examining the Crow dolls and the moccasins,” Cecilia expressed. “It is good to see the interaction between the students, the staff, and the collection,” Phillipe concluded.
