Wellness Center Dedication Kicks Off Opening
Fort Peck Tribes and Health Promotion Disease Prevention hosted a dedication ceremony for the new Thundering Buffalo Wellness Center Wednesday, April 20.
The event was held at 11:30 a.m. in Poplar by invitation only. A grand opening was planned for the public on April 22.
Dozens of star quilts lined the upper railing behind the stage at the dedication, providing a backdrop. Tommy Christian provided the introduction. Flag and victory songs were performed by the Deer Horn Singers. The opening prayer and comments were made by Ray White Tail Feather. Fort Peck Tribes chairman Floyd Azure and vice-chairman Charles Headdress provided welcoming remarks. The wellness committee consisted of Jackie Weeks, Deb Madison and Maureen Dionne. Terral Sukut was present from JGA Architects. Kenneth Smoker Jr. represented HPDP. Tara Zumbrum represented the Poplar High School student council. A tour was provided after the ceremony and lunch was served.
Area students were polled about the wellness center prior to construction, with results showing they wanted a new facility to help change the morbidity rate among Fort Peck Tribal members. The average age of death for a Tribal member is 53. The national average for Americans is 78.
Visiting Fort Belknap Council Member Warren Morin stated via social media that the ceremony and the facility provided encouragement for groups hoping to see similar projects built in their communities. “The Thundering Buffalo Health and Wellness Center is proof that God answers prayers,” said Morin.
According to a press release, the new wellness center is officially open.
Gym, fitness and walking track areas are open Monday-Tuesday and Thusday- Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m, and Saturday-Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pool hours are Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with lap swim from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6:15-7 p.m. Open swim is from 4-6 p.m.. Saturday- Sunday hours include lap swim from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., with open swim from 1:30-4:15 p.m.
Per visit costs run as low as 25 cents for youth age 8-12 up to $5 for families. Monthly and annual memberships are also available.
Thundering Buffalo is located on Highway 2 in Poplar north of Tribal Express. For more information call, 406-768-6030.
