Matt Sean Gras
To whom it may concern:
It is my pleasure, honor, and indeed, great privilege to write this letter recommending Robert Black Eagle Costa. I worked with Robert in my professional capacity as a Crisis Stabilization Worker as part of the Mental Health Team at Standing Rock, North Dakota. Robert was our team leader, and he fulfilled the obligations of that role with skill, ceremony, and grace.
As you may recall, the gathering at Standing Rock was a moment of great historical significance. Members of more than 200 Native American tribes (together with representatives of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples from across the U.S. and around the world} came together in solidarity in an attempt to block placement of an oil pipeline beneath the Missouri River, where it would threaten the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's only source of drinking water. During our time together at the Oceti Sakowin Camp last November, estimates placed the number of people in the three Standing Rock camps at close to 10,000 people. The Standing Rock Mental Health Team was tasked with providing emotional support to these thousands of water protectors (most of whom were Native Americans} who repeatedly suffered trauma at the hands of the militarized police forces standing in opposition to them. This we did under Robert's wise and compassionate leadership.
Robert brought the wisdom of his Muscogee culture into all our daily practices. Our Mental Health Team began each morning sitting quietly in a circle together in our sacred teepee, in prayer. Robert imbued everything we did with ceremony and prayer, reminding us constantly of the sacredness of all life. At the same time, Robert brought to bear his great skill as a Spiritual Counselor and Mentor, gently reminding us of the Seven Sacred Teachings (Humility, Honesty, Respect, Courage, Wisdom, Truth, and Love} that follow the life cycle of the Medicine Wheel.
Not only did Robert exhibit great compassion and skill - he also exhibited great courage. On November 20th, 2016 police violence rose to extraordinary levels. That night, peaceful water protectors tried to remove police-placed barriers across a bridge that for months had made impossible travel on a roadway that provided the best, and shortest, access to the only regional hospital from Standing Rock Sioux land. Police responded in the subfreezing weather with water cannons, stun grenades, rubber bullets, tear gas, and mace. Reports filtered back to the medical compound that many people were suffering serious injuries, and a call came in for mental health support on the bridge. Robert - not a physically imposing man - immediately began hustling towards the confrontation; I grabbed him and told him I'd drive him there in my car. This I did, and when we reached the bridge (a nightmarish scene that looked like a war zone), Robert leapt from my car before it came to a complete stop. When I finally caught up with him, Robert was at the front line. He was in easy reach of the water cannons and other militarized equipment, and a stun grenade went off at his feet. I grabbed him and pulled him back to safety, almost against his will. As we retreated past the reach of the militarized weapons, Robert paused for everyone who needed help. That night Robert proved himself to be a man of true valor, as well as a man of healing, and peace.
I know this letter is longer than a typical letter of recommendation, and I hope I haven't taxed your patience. But though long, it's shorter than it might have been had I indulged my urge to share with you everything I know about Robert that makes him exceptional.
My time at Standing Rock was a profound blessing, and I came away with more than I gave. But perhaps the greatest blessing of all was the opportunity to work with, and get to know, Robert Black Eagle Costa, a humble man of profound personal integrity. I cannot recommend Robert highly enough.
If you need additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Matt Sean Gras