Tree Of Life
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The Tree of Life Fund
Planting SEEDS OF HOPE for Generations to come. |
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More than ONE HUNDRED YEARS ago..
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a group of Ursuline nuns braved the wilderness of Montana to settle a new mission along the Tongue River. They arrived in 1884 to find a three-room log cabin where they founded St. Labre Indian School. This was the humble beginning to a legacy of serving the Native American people. |
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Today, the vision of St. Labre is considered to be a miracle in the wilderness. Thanks to the
kindness and generosity of many friends and benefactors, the legacy of St. Labre continues to
provide the means to a real future to more than 700 deserving Native American children. |
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In addition to a regular program of elementary and secondary education, St. Labre offers classes
in industrial arts, home economics, music and art and a full compliment of athletics and other extra-curricular
activities. Great importance is also placed on Native American culture and tradition. And, every
child attending St. Labre is also given the opportunity to attend college or a university. |
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St. Labre is also the home for children who have no real home, or no safe place to call home.
For many, St. Labre is their last, best chance at making something of their precious lives. For
them, St. Labre is indeed a miracle in the wilderness. |
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A SPECIAL INVITATION to Continue the
legacy of St. Labre |
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Many friends and supporters of St. Labre Indian School recall with great admiration the
miracles that Father Emmett Hoffmann accomplished during his years serving this mission. |
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From its beginning, St. Labre has depended almost entirely on the
kindness and generosity of its friends and benefactors. Despite the years
when fire, flood, and other crises threatened to close its doors, St. Labre
has remained open for more than a century. Literally thousands of Native American children have
grown up at St. Labre, many returning to give something back for future generations. |
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Keeping the miracle of St. Labre alive is no easy task. To insure the legacy of St. Labre continues
for future generations, the Tree of Life Fund was created. This fund, the principal of which shall
remain in perpetuity, provides a lasting source of funds. Only the income generated from this fund
is used as needed - the original, principal sum remains untouched. |
There are seven GIVING LEVELS on St. Labre's Tree of LifeEACH LEVEL IS NOTED BY A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TREE - AND WITH CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AS IT RELATES TO
NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITION.
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AshUsed to make Ceremonial Pipe StemsRecognized any gift of at least: $2,500 to $4,999 |
CedarBurned in Purification RitualsRecognized any gift of at least: $5,000 to $9,999 |
WillowUsed to construct Sweat LodgesRecognized any gift of at least: $10,000 to $14,999 |
AspenUsed to build the altar in a Sundance Lodge Recognized any gift of at least: $15,000 to $24,999 |
CottonwoodUsed as the center pole in a Sundance Lodge Recognized any gift of at least: $25,000 to $49,999 |
Lodgepole PineThis tree is used to make Teepee Poles Recognized any gift of at least: $50,000 to $74,999 |
BoxelderThe hottest burning wood, used for Ceremonial Fires Recognized any gift of at least: $75,000 or more |
Friends and benefactors who contribute to the Tree of Life Fund are given a very special PLACE OF RECOGNITION |
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An extraordinary bronze tree sculpture has been erected in the St. Labre Visitor's
Center - a wonderful place for all to see those individuals who believe in maintaining
the Legacy that is St. Labre. Memorials or tributes are engraved on leaves of the actual tree
sculpture, along with other significant designs within the tree, depending on the
amount of support provided. Memorials or tributes may be made honoring friends or loved ones
both living and deceased. |
Contributors to the TREE OF LIFE FUND will also receive an engraved plaque... |
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...commemorating the memorial or tribute. Ideally suited as a family remembrance or
living tribute, This plaque is appropriate for home or office display. The Tree of Life Fund is administered by St. Labre Indian School Educational Association. St Labre, whose purpose is exclusively educational and charitable, depends entirely on the generosity of benefactors. Any contribution to the Tree of Life Fund or to St. Labre Indian School is entirely tax-deductible as allowed by law and will serve as a lasting tribute for generations of children to come. |
