Our View: Brumleys deserve honors

The Wahkpa Chu'gn Buffalo Jump is one of the most fascinating places in Hill County. The history and the beautiful scenery of the site has attracted visitors for generations.

The buffalo jump this past summer opened a new interpretive center that will make it easier for people to understand the rich history that the site contains.

More people are visiting the buffalo jump every year because of three things: funding from Hill County, the dedication of numerous volunteers, and the loyal commitment John and Anna Brumley.

John found the ancient site when he was a youngster, and he has worked on its behalf ever since. He and Anna have seen the site through some difficult times and have seen it grow over the years, even if at times their work seemed unappreciated.

But Humanities Montana and Gov. Steve Bullock, sworn in today, have put to rest the idea that the Brumelys work is unappreciated.

Humanities Montana announced last week that its annual Governor's Humanities Award will be given to the Brumleys at ceremonies in Helena Feb. 21. Academics from other parts of Montana will also be honored at the ceremonies.

The award is most deserved, and people throughout Hill County join the county's museum board in celebrating the announcement that the Brumleys will be honored.

It was heartwarming to see the community leaders who came together to write letters supporting John and Anna. Political leaders, historians, tourism officials and state representatives put in a good words for them.

Wahkpa Chu'gn has been hundreds of thousands of years in the making. It has been a source of food and cultural enlightenment for 2,000 years. Because of the work the Brumleys have put into the site, it will be here to educate people about the county's past for many, many more years.

The site is not just a spot where tourists can enjoy themselves for a few hours. It is a treasure trove of Native American history in this part of the world. The Brumleys have worked selfishly for decades to preserve that history. The governor and Humanities are right to reward them for their work.