THANK YOU

East Fork Fire 2017

Bear Paw Mountains

When smoke rose above the horizon and the fire call went out, neighbors responded.

In an ever-expanding breadth and depth of

support from reservation and multi-county fire crews joined by multi-state and federal responders, people came. At the forefront of this response were the people who live and work in the Bear Paw Mountains, people with ties to the area, people, organizations and businesses who felt called to do their best for others, to give without thought of thanks or repayment.

People put their lives and livelihoods at risk to save others'. They put their lives and livelihoods on hold to provide support, equipment and donations. Friends and family and strangers came together in a common purpose,

forging a network of bonds,

a community.

If community is defined by its area, we have expanded that. If it is defined by brotherhood, we have made a family of it. If it is defined by the commitment of its people

to one another, we have

strengthened it.

After the fires have died down, the ashes settled and the losses totaled, some losing more than others, we are left with that which is the best of us:

our community.