Contact: Paula Rhian
June 25, 2004
(402) 471-3368
Mindy Bush
(402) 345-5401
www.lewisandclarkne.org

Otoe-Missouria Nation Returns to Historical Homeland for Lewis and Clark Commemoration

On August 3, 1804, the critical meeting between Lewis & Clark and six Oto and Missouria chiefs took place in Fort Calhoun at a site called "council bluff." The modern-day descendents of the Oto and Missouria tribes, now federally recognized as the Otoe-Missouria Nation, will return to their historic homeland for Nebraska's Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoration.

"The highlight of this commemoration is the cooperation and friendship we've enjoyed with the Otoe-Missouria people and we look forward to welcoming them back to their homelands," said Ron Hull, Chairman of the Nebraska Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission. "We are mindful of the sacrifices they have made as a result of the expedition and are honored with their presence and by the good will they have shown us."

Otoe-Missouria tribal members have served as advisors to Nebraska's Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoration and approximately 200 will participate in the event. Returning to Omaha will be a very meaningful and spiritual experience for tribal members, says Annette Arkeketa, Otoe-Missouria member and Nebraska Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission advisor. "All of our tribal leadership will be there telling the story of the Otoe-Missouria people. This is from our heart and affects us on many different levels. Our people made many hard decisions there for the benefit of the tribe. Our presence will show honor and respect for our ancestors."

Members of the Otoe-Missouria Nation will present a variety of presentations and panel discussions on the tribe's culture and history at the Corps of Discovery Festival at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in Fort Calhoun July 31-August 3. Senior members of the tribe will host an educational booth throughout the weekend. Another opportunity to learn more about the tribe, an Otoe-Missouria Circle will be presented from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday.

In addition, the tribe will participate in the First Tribal Council event offered each evening at 8 p.m. at Omaha's Elmwood Park July 31-August 3. Tribal Chairman James Grant will introduce Otoe-Missouria leadership and elders, followed by the presentation of tribal flags and a performance of a Native American anthem and prayer song.

The Otoe-Missouria reservation is currently located near Red Rock, Oklahoma. Due to the pressures of white settlers moving west, the tribe was forced to sell or cede its lands in Nebraska to the federal government. In 1881, the tribe moved to its current location in Oklahoma. Today, the Otoe-Missouria is a federally recognized tribe and has approximately 1,100 enrolled members.