Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, North Dakota

Our final stop on our vacation was the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota, just a hop skip and jump away from the Canadian Border.

Our intent was for Jerry to see where he was born, and learn about the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa so we could tell the kids when they were older a bit of their heritage. Jerry spent his first 4 yrs on and off the reservation (Between living in WI and on the reservation basically).

He hasnt seen his mother in 30 years. He doesnt care why thats between his mom and dad. He has casually looked for her throughout the years using her maiden name. We've called everyone with her maiden name on the reservation and no luck. We assumed she had remarried and he would never find her. And so- this trip was just to learn about the tribe.


We arrived in Belcourt, ND and ate lunch at a little cafe. I had found the Heritage Center online, and we thought we would visit it first. We set out to find it, and could not. There was a daycare in the building that I was pretty sure should have been the heritage center.

We stopped a man standing outside talking and asked where it was and he explained it had moved- he thought they were starting a new one at the casino about 5 miles out of town.

He asked if we were looking to buy or sell something and Jerry explained he was born there, his Mother is a member of the tribe. He asked her name, and when Jerry told him he said just a second and went inside the building (which turned out to be the newspaper building)

He came back out and said- She's at work. Do you want to meet her? Jerry said Yes! We followed him out to a bar/dining hall/bingo hall.. something..

Apparantly, inside the newspaper building was a woman who knew everyone- I assume that would be a good thing for a newspaper! She called the bar and the owner told her Jerry's Mom was working. I guess she said the name Gerald Gerber and his mom overheard and started crying. She told her JErry was on his way out to see her.

We pulled up to the bar and she was in the doorway- Jerry got out and they hugged for a long time. The picture above was taken from inside the RV before she knew she had a daughter in law or grandkids! It was a mass of emotions. The kids and I got out of the RV and walked around and she realized she was also a Grandma! From there it was hours of Jerry and his mom talking and talking and meeting relative's. (and oh my goodness- there are alot of them!) He really likes his Uncle Paul- and has memory's of a "big indian man" from his childhood, that he guesses is Uncle Paul. He says he could listen to Paul talk for hours. I agree- he's got a way with words. His wife Laurie and youngest child, Misty welcomed us into their home with open arms! We hooked up the RV to Paul and Laurie's house and from there the phone's must have rang across the area- There were relatives stopping by until 11 that night! I dont think Jerry stopped smiling the entire time.

He seems a bit more at peace the last few days- I think seeing her again and filled a hole in his heart and he seems somehow more complete.

It was interesting to me to see the family resemblance- check out the pic of Jerry standing side by side with his Uncle Paul. Amazing - the eyes have it!

He couldnt find her in the past when he looked- because she kept the name Gerber in case he ever looked for her. He always looked under her maiden name. She just moved back to the reservation a few months ago.

Josie and Buddy like having another Grandma, of course it brought more questions from Josie about Marraige and Divorce. She wanted to know who else we know that has been divorced. That kid has a question for everything! Which is good- but it keeps you on your toe's. (oh and Grandma Candy- she wants to know why you can live with Miles if you arent married. I passed the buck and told her to ask Grandma Candy.. heheheeh)

Buddy insisted we call him Gerald like Grandma Joyce kept calling him. I told my mom that and she reminded me when my nephew Taylor was 4 he insisted his mom change his name to George. Of course, Gerald is Buddy's real name, and he knows thats his name (but he only hears it from me when he is in trouble- which is most of the time hahaha.

So, we hope to hear more from Jerry's Mom and the rest of that side of the family. We enjoyed our time in North Dakota. We'll see what the future holds...