Star Quilts

One part of the culture around our area in Eastern Montana is that of the Fort Peck Native American Tribe. Our town of Culbertson is just a couple miles from the reservation, and there is a heavy influence of their culture in our town and surrounding areas.

When my family first forced me to go watch high school basketball (he he he), it was REAAAALLLY boring. Until one night, one of the coolest things I've ever seen happened. Hubby told me it's called a Star Quilt ceremony. It's where kids on the team from Brockton (a town on the reservation), and Native American students from Culbertson school exchange quilts. These quilts are usually made by the women in their family, and the student athlete presents the quilt to someone else in the community who has helped shape them, mentor them, and had a positive impact on their lives. It was such an awesome event to experience.

The pictures of this star quilt ceremony took place last Saturday. A friend of mine took these pictures, where you can see how heartfelt and emotional it can be for everyone involved. I thought it would be a fun thing to share with you all, since this is yet another unique thing from our area. Enjoy!

They all start out by laying the quilts all over the gym floor. The athlete and their parents stand next to the quilt.
Then they announce one-by-one who the athlete is giving their quilt to. In this case below, an athlete named Robbie presented a quilt to these parents. Their son, who would have been on the opposing team, was killed in a drunk driving crash last summer. I wish I could have been there to experience it, but my hubby and other people who were there told me there was not a dry eye in the whole place. How touching and thoughtful of Robbie to present a quilt to these parents. There was also another athlete from the same team as the other, who was killed in the same crash. His father also received a start quilt from another player. Laura's pictures give you a glimpse into the emotion of the evening.


When presented with the star quilts, the mother in the family wears them.


And here is Laura, who was presented with a quilt by Morgan. Thanks for the pictures Laura!


It's really an amazing experience to watch. Not only because the quilts are beautiful, but some of these players and parents go from rivals to friends very quickly. It's neat how these people can step back for a moment, and realize that we aren't always in a sports game or constantly competing. We are in the game of life, and these star quilts go to show how much one can appreciate another person. It's really an awesome thing.

Anyways, I know this is my second post of the day, but happy weekend people!