New manager reaches out to Rocky Boy for fair

In an attempt to reach out to the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, Bob Horne, the new manager of the Great Northern Fairgrounds, introduced himself to members of the Chippewa Cree Business Committee and fielded questions and received suggestions from those in attendance at the committee's Thursday meeting.

Horne took the position of manager of the Great Northern Fairgrounds April 4, and he said he wants to "open lines of communication" between the fairgrounds and the reservation.

"I am here to listen to you guys. I am gonna try and

listen more and speak less," Horne said.

Horne said he was aware of the tension that existed between Rocky Boy and the rest of Hill County, especially Havre. He said he hoped the fairgrounds could serve to bring both communities together.

"You guys are part of the Hill County community just like anybody else, and there is no reason why you guys can't be represented at the fairgrounds as well," Horne said.

He said that what had transpired before between the reservation and fair board in the past was not within his control, but moving forward it would be his responsibility.

Business Committee member Harlan Baker commended Horne for coming down to the reservation to speak with the committee.

Baker said he could not remember the last time a fairboard manager came down to the reservation and actively sought input.

Horne asked the audience if they had any questions or suggestions about what they wanted to see at the fairgrounds.

Joan Mitchell, who is with the Chippewa Cree Tribe Planning and Development Department, suggested that the Great Northern Fair have a judging category for Native arts and crafts, and allow someone from the reservation to set up a food booth during the fair.

Calvin Jilot, a Business Committee member who recently joined the fair board and is the only fair board member from Rocky Boy, said allowing a food vendor from the reservation to set up a booth was something that the he and the board were open to considering.

Jilot said he wants to speak with fellow Business Committee member Dustin Whitford, who is in charge of fundraising for this year's annual powwow, about some fundraising ideas. This year's powwow mark the centennial of the creation of the reservation.

Jilot said maybe Whitford or some other volunteers could work at a food booth to raise money for the powwow.

Horne said that is something that will have to be brought before the fair board and voted on because the board authorizes contracts for running food booths at the event.

Hill County Commissioner Jeff LaVoi, who was at the meeting, suggested Indian tacos might be a unique food item that they could provide.

LaVoi, who attends fair board meetings on behalf of the Hill County Commission, said they would have to make sure there are booths available they can use.

Superintendent of Rocky Boy Schools Voyd St. Pierre suggested that a Rocky Boy appreciation night be held at the fairgrounds.

Jilot said a lack of rides for older fairgoers was another complaint he heard from fairgoers at Rocky Boy and beyond.

Horne said that Dreamland Amusements, a sister company of North Star Amusements, which provided the fair with rides before the fair was moved from August to July, will be providing carnival rides this year.

North Star also provides rides for the annual Spring Carnival in the parking lot of the Holiday Village Mall.

He said while he did not know what rides would be there, but said he was promised there would be more rides for older fairgoers.

Ken St. Marks, Business Committee chair, said he doesn't think Havre is stepping up to market itself and contribute to the powwow and other events that are facilitated by the reservation.

St. Marks said that though their annual powwow brings in large amounts of business to hotels, restaurants and stores in Havre, area businesses are often unwilling to contribute money to put on the powwow.

Horne said he could not speak for area businesses, but said that the fairgrounds could be a "catalyst for change."

Before he left, Horne said there might be some lingering prejudices, but that he saw hope in younger people.

He said that bigotry and prejudice are not something people are born with, citing his 5-year-old daughter as an example. He said sometimes he takes her to McDonalds and she goes into the play area and mingles with other children.

When she emerges, he said, she does distinguish their race.

"My daughter, all she sees is, she turns and says 'Daddy, I've got friends.'"