Big Medicine
Brewing Company founders, Fernanda Krum and Robert Rivers, are looking to
build the country’s first microbrewery and center for positive change in
Missoula, Montana. After spending 13 years supporting efforts in peace-building
and trauma healing in 15 different conflict zones around the world, the couple
is looking to bring their knowledge and expertise to western Montana, but they
need help to do it.
Krum, a native of Brazil, and Rivers, a Helena native, have
been brewing beer for the last five years. Rivers holds a certificate in
brewing and malting science from the University of Wisconsin as well as a
master’s degree in peace and conflict studies from the European Centre for
Peace Studies. Krum has a master’s degree in psychology and a certificate in
global mental health from Harvard.
Using beer and their brewery as a medium and conversation-starter
for peace, the couple plans to produce no more than 1,000 barrels of beer
annually, and any annual earnings over $100,000 for the couple will go toward
purchasing land for a retreat center near Missoula.
After opening, the couple will host monthly two-day
workshops featuring subjects related to social conflict and social change
initiation, as well as one-hour dialogues twice a month.
The Big Medicine Brewing Co. (BMBC) Mission Statement reads:
The Big Medicine
Brewing Co. is a community-orientated and community-based Montana microbrewery
grounded in the American, Irish, and Belgian brewing traditions. We brew
expansive beers made from the highest quality ingredients and offer a celebratory
atmosphere where friends and family can connect. The ultimate purpose of
the brewery is to generate positive social change by supporting individuals and
communities in their own transformation through educational processes so they
are better prepared to transform the world around them.
Also from the website:
Not only will the BMBC
produce excellent beer made from the highest quality ingredients and create
space for people to connect and celebrate life together, it will also serve as
a nexus for social change.
To achieve their dream, Krum and Rivers have launched
a funding campaign today on Indiegogo with a goal of securing $40,400 in
the next 35 days. Details about the campaign can be found on the BMBC website.
On June 25, BMBC presented a special 30th
anniversary screening of Strange Brew at the Wilma Theatre, launching their
campaign.
Krum and Rivers were also featured on a two-part series
on PBS. Part One
and Part
Two. The couple can also be found at the Clark Fork River market on
Saturdays, providing information about their project.
BMBC is also on Facebook.
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