The Glacier reporter. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1953-current, 1958-08-21
Editorial Comment
A "Teepee City" >. Why NOT?

There may be more Than Just possibility that we
are face-to-face win the opportunity Of lifetime to
beauty our city. improve our health and welfare
conditions and provide badly needed housing faci.
ties for our peope and at the same time. create
one Of the most authentic and picturesque tourist
attractions in the state.
For over year now we have been dreaming Of
finding ways and means, and above all. support. in
me Inauguration Of an attractive somewhat unique
housing project for Indian population. Our idea
has been 10 provide natura' housing facilities. and
at the time, incorporate into the plan means
Of providing permanent health and welfare edves-
ton through sanitary living and attractive surround
ings.
This, we believe, could be accomplished at mini
mum Of cost with the construction Of "Teepee City,
The teepees in this housing project would be Of
cement construction, similar in design and constrvc
zion TO thar Of me Rodgers Standard Service Station.
Permanent and weather-proof the teepees would be
furnished with modern facilities including toilet.
shower. Isvoratory, combined kitchen sink and re-
freerator, and could either be heated by central
heating Unit or by small individual heating units
The cost was NOT TOO prohibitve. small frepiaceI
could be included.
Such unit could easily provide for large general
utility room on the ground floor that would serve as
living room and kitchen. while space for one or t~o|
bedrooms could be provided for on . second floor.
The teepees could be cast from forms in Two or three
sections placed in upright position and sealed to-
gefher and we believe, at q very economical cost
figure.
Such city could be designed and laid ovt in .
pattern Of circles, encompassine dancing and
general assembly area as hub. The possibility Of
"Chief'an's LODGE. somewhat larger than the
Others could be considered 10 provide living quarters
for duly elected Mayor and his family.
Each occupant Of teepee would be personally
responsible for the upkeep Of his lodge and des9
mated plot upon which it would stend, and there
would be strict inspections by agency personnel to
insure proper Upkeep. maintenance and sanitation
-. Those who failed 10 comply with the prescribed
sanitation and moral code would be moved ovt to
make room for tenants who would be apprecietive
enovg 10 preserve The beauty Of their city.
Probably one OF the most attractive aspects Of the
whole idea would be The decorating Of the teepees
by each individual family who would be permitted to
paint their lodge in traditional fashion, using their
own tribal and family history 70 identity their LODGE
Such a city could we'll be The groundwork for many
advantageous aspects to come. including industry
and state center for tourists where homemade art.
craft could be Sold Any number Of projects could be
accomplished through The winter months that would
provide added revenue through sales to tourists IN
fhe summer.
Such project could be set vp on unit rental
bess, me income OF winch would go into mairten.
snce fund. Possibly it could be arranged to give the
elders free REM along with the pleasure Of living out
their last years in natural surroundings We
could provide.
Picture, il YOU will the beauty. the attraction. the
advantages and statewide effects in the creation Of
This so 10 rs Unit "Teepee City,. We sincerely believe
this is no dream and could be accomplished through
The cooperation Of The Tribal Council. the City CoVn.
ell and all organizations within our city, With the
newly approved federal legislation TO provide hovs.
ing. sewer and wafer facilities for depressed and
isolated areas, Browning certainly should be eligible
for . considerable amount Of funds
We have approached several members Of the ri.
bal and City Councils as we'll as officers Of several
organizations, and hove received highly gratifying
words Of approval but II will take much more