Rolling hoops on their arms, JR Parot and son Ryder were warming up for their Native American hoop dance in the downstairs hallway of the KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino. The Parots were there to perform for the crowd at the Families First Project event held Dec. 20, titled Help for the Homeless. 

With crafts and face painting for the youngsters, free holiday pictures taken by Tash Williams, raffles for the adults, and entertainment for all, it was fun for all ages. Entertainers providing Christmas music included Foreshadow (Native American Music Award winner Shadow Devereaux), The Wildflowers, Cornerstone Worship Band, Pastor Melanie Martin-Dent (Flute music), the ShamRockers, Patrick Matt as a solo act with acoustic guitar, and the Native American gospel music band Rushing Wind.

Rushing Wind had the crowd rocking as they performed “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.

A festive holiday meal – prime rib, all the fixings, and huckleberry cheesecake for dessert – was served. Donations were taken at the door to benefit the Warming Center in Pablo. 

Patrick Matt, director of the Department of Human Resources-Families First Project for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, about 125 people showed up for the event.  

The Warming Center, managed and sponsored by the Tribes, is located at 423088 5th Ave. E. in Pablo and is open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. The Warming Center provides a warm place and hot meals for unhoused Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal members. Tribal members need to bring their ID cards when they arrive at the center. The food is  provided by the Tribes Food Sovereignty Program. Call 406-675-2700 ext. 1190 for information. 

    Patrick Matt, director of DHRD-TANF Families First Project for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, was emcee of the benefit for the Warming Centerin Pablo. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)