News Items

Jeff Olson's Photo Essay
March 02, 2007
See Jeff Olson's Photo Essay and article "Final Lewis and Clark Signature Event — Just the Beginning" in DOI's People Land & Water.

Native Voices Endowment to Revitalize Indigenous Languages
January 08, 2007
The National Council, COTA and the Missouri Historical Society announce the creation of a critical bicentennial legacy, established in coast-to-coast partnership with the Endangered Language Fund and the Oregon Community Foundation.

Fort Clatsop's Rebirth Complete
December 11, 2006
The new replica, a product of an outpouring of volunteers, is more true to the Corps of Discovery shelter. Dedication was held on December 9, 2006.

C-SPAN Book TV Airing of Lewis & Clark Through Indian Eyes
November 22, 2006
National Council and COTA sponsored panel with the authors of Lewis and Clark Through Indian Eyes will be shown on CSPAN over Thanksgiving Holiday.

Events and Discussions Continue East of St. Louis
October 04, 2006
More bicentennial commeorations are set for the coming months - EAST of St. Louis! Also, the U.S. House Subcommittee on National Parks held a field hearing in Clarksville, Indiana on the L&C; trail extension on October 4, 2006.

AP: Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration Ends
September 27, 2006
An AP article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette summarizes the bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Illinois Governor Lauds Hartford Confluence Tower
September 25, 2006
Governor Blagojevich praised the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower at Hartford, IL. $1.7 million in state funds went into this key regional project.

Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Journey Ends in Cheers
September 23, 2006
Saturday people crowded at the foot of the Eads Bridge on the St. Louis Riverfront, and cheered the arrival of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles.

Tribal Panel to Discuss Return to Healthy Rivers
September 19, 2006
On Sunday, Sept 24, 2006, along the St. Louis Riverfront, the Circle of Tribal Advisors (COTA) of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial will host a special tribal discussion about the Missouri and Columbia Rivers.

Lit Fest to Feature Authors of 'L&C; Through Indian Eyes' at Currents of Change
September 14, 2006
Authors of 'Lewis and Clark Through Indian Eyes' will sign books and present their points of view during 'Currents of Change,' the final national signature event in Saint Louis.

Tribal Longhouse to be Erected on St. Louis Riverfront
September 13, 2006
In preparation for Lewis & Clark: Currents of Change, Wanapum tribal members of Washington State will be in St. Louis setting up a 35-foot traditional tribal long house made of tule reeds from the banks of the Columbia River.

The Indians Are Coming To Saint Louis For Lewis & Clark: Currents of Change
September 12, 2006
The Circle of Tribal Advisors invites you to St. Louis for Lewis & Clark: Currents of Change, the final national signature event, hosted by the the National Council of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and the Osage Nation.

Sheheke Descendant Descends River to Highlight Jefferson City Homeward Bound Event
September 10, 2006
Three Irons is a direct descendant of the Mandan Chief Sheheke, who traveled down the Missouri River with the “Corps of Discovery” to St. Louis 200 years ago.

Numerous Activities Punctuate Bicentennial Commemoration
September 06, 2006
The final weeks of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoration include several regional and community events in addition to the final Signature Event.

Runner Provides Ground Legs for Flight of Discovery
August 31, 2006
Flight of Discovery and a detachment of military police run in last leg of Lewis & Clark event.

North Dakota Hosts Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous
August 28, 2006
August 13-18, North Dakota played host to more than 300 high school students from across the country at the Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous.

ND Goodbyes Said at Riverside
August 21, 2006
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota bid farewell to the explorers at fourteenth Signature Event.

Flight of Discovery Plans to Complete Project
August 16, 2006
Group says finishing their expedition is the best way to honor three members who were killed in a tragic helicopter crash on August 13.

Pompeys Pillar Timeless Place
July 26, 2006
Thousands take part in 13th Signature Event. Clark's inscription descibed as a "tangible reminder of other lifetimes."

Reunion to Take Place at Two Medicine Fight Site
July 11, 2006
A Boy Scout troop and Blackfeet tribal members will camp at Two Medicine Fight Site on 200 year anniversary to note a reconciliation of cultures.

Assembling Bicentennial Exibition Took Longer Than the Expedition
July 02, 2006
Historian Carolyn Gillman and the staff at the Missouri Historical Society spent 7 years combing the collections of 50 museums; 5 American Indian reservations; and dozens of basements, attics and antiques shops to acquire artifacts for the display.

Lewis & Clark in the Rockies Kick Off Draws Large Turnout
June 23, 2006
Large crowd flocks to Caras Park in Missoula, MT where the Lewis and Clark in the Rockies Bicentennial Festival held its opening commemorative ceremony.

Navy Christens USNS Sacagawea
June 20, 2006
The Navy christened the USNS Sacagawea, the newest ship in the Lewis & Clark class of underway replenishment ships, on Saturday 6/21/06 in San Diego, CA.

"Summer of Peace" brings Nez Perce to the Fore
June 14, 2006
The 12th of 15 Signature Events of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial features the Nez Perce and their homeland where Lewis & Clark spent a month of the summer in 1806.

L&C; Essay Gains Trip for 318 High Schoolers
May 31, 2006
The National Guard Bureau announces the winners of the national Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous essay contest.

Volunteers Needed to Build Furniture for Fort
May 27, 2006
Volunteers are needed to help with the rebuilding of Fort Clatsop. Work has now started on building rustic furniture for the rooms in the Fort.

Final Signature Event Headliners Named
May 17, 2006
Renowned American Indian poet, playwright, artist, essayist and novelist, N. Scott Momaday is set to keynote Stories We Tell Symposium, and the Native American blues-rock band Indigenous will headline the Riverfront Extravaganza.

Confluence Project Praised
May 03, 2006
Artist Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, has created a series of works along the Columbia River and its tributaries commemorating Lewis & Clark, the Native Americans they encountered, and the lands they explored.

Travelers Rest Gains National Historic Landmark Designation
April 28, 2006
Research leads the Department of Interior to designate Travelers Rest as one of the the few sites in the nation with physical confirmation of the Expedition's visit.

Schedule for North Dakota Signature Event Released
April 15, 2006
The Three Affiliated Tribes releases Reunion at the Home of Sakakawea schedule. The next-to-the-last Signature Event will take place on the Four Bears Peninsula, west of Newtown, ND.

Countdown to Clark on the Yellowstone
March 30, 2006
The countdown is on to this summer's Clark on the Yellowstone events.

Kentucky Unveils New L&C; Website
March 17, 2006
The Kentucky L&C; Bicentennial Commission has unveiled a website focusing on the role of Kentucky people & places in the expedition and upcoming events such as Homecoming at Locust Grove.

Idaho Plans Lewis & Clark Commemorations
January 17, 2006
Boise will play host to Bicentennial Commemoration events in May, and the twelfth Signature Event, "The Summer of Peace: Among the Nimiipuu," is in the Lewiston, ID area June.

Updates: Embarking on the Return Journey
January 01, 2006
Online press coverage of Corps II, re-enactors, and other Bicentennial commemorations along the Columbia River Basin.

Lewis and Clark Trip is Prize in Contest
January 01, 2006
High school students who will be juniors or seniors by August are invited to enter a Lewis and Clark essay contest sponsored by the National Guard. Deadline: Feb. 28.

15th Signature Event Plans Unfold
December 19, 2005
Keep up with the latest details on the 15th Signature Event - "Lewis & Clark: Currents of Change" by downloading the latest newsletters.

Fort Clatsop Walls Are Up
December 02, 2005
Now for the settling. Roof and doors may not be put up until the fall.

Commemoration Gets Media Attention in Northwest
November 22, 2005
Northwest press and radio provide extensive coverage and background for the 11th Signature Event: Destination the Pacific.

Honoring National American Indian Heritage Month
November 01, 2005
The Circle of Tribal Advisors of the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Releases Newest PSAs in Cultural Awareness Campaign to coincide with National American Indian Heritage Month.

Native American Perspective Emerges as Valuable Legacy for the Bicentennial
July 10, 2005
As the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial progresses, Native Americans take center stage with their insight into the aftermath and consequences of the Expedition.

'Explore the Big Sky' Ends with a Bang
July 05, 2005
Crowds, re-enactors, and planners are pleased with closing activities of the Explore the Big Sky Signature Event coinciding with the Fourth of July weekend in Great Falls, MT.

Complimentary Tribal Symposium Tickets Available To Tribal Members
June 22, 2005
150 complimentary Tribal Symposium are available per day to American Indian tribal members and tribal school and youth groups. These tickets are underwritten by COTA and the National Council and made available through MTTA.

Sponsorship of American Indian Symposium Announced
June 21, 2005
The Circle of Tribal Advisors (COTA) is proud to join a number of co-sponsors in underwriting 'American Indian Nations: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Tribal Symposium Destined to Make History
May 16, 2005
A wealth of Native American wisdom will assemble July 1-3, 2005 as part of the Big Sky Signature Event. This "Convocation of Indian Nations: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” could be the largest such gathering of scholars and elders in decades.

Friend to Trail and Bicentennial to Retire
March 15, 2005
Dick Williams, Chief of Resource Management at the National Park Service Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, has announced his retirement to be April 1, 2006.

“Sheheke” Featured in New Fort Mandan Painting
January 17, 2005
“Hunting with Sheheke,” an original painting by Wildwood, MO artist Michael Haynes will be unveiled at the Headwaters Fort Mandan Visitor Center Saturday, January 22 at 10:30 a.m.

Corps II Awarded for Historic Preservation
November 19, 2004
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation presented the Chairman’s Award for Federal Achievement in Historic Preservation to the National Park Service for coordinating development and display of “Corps of Discovery II: 200 Years to the Future.”

Circle of Cultures News Release
November 06, 2004
Out-of-state visitors, North Dakota residents and thousands of students combined for an estimated 50,000 people attending the 10-day “Circle of Cultures” Lewis and Clark national signature event in Bismarck. Attendance far exceeded expectations.

Native Points of View
October 19, 2004
Last month, a group of American Indian demonstrators gathered at the South Dakota signature event to protest the Discovery Expedition's re-enactment of Lewis and Clark's journey up the Missouri River.

SD Signature Event Sparks Discussions
September 30, 2004
The August 27-Septemer 26 South Dakota Signature Event-Oceti Sakowin Experience: Remembering and Educating–provided an important forum for cultural, historical and educational discussions.

Sacred Places Protection
August 24, 2004
American Indian Nations ask you to respect the sacred places of our people. Click above to learn how you can help.

Circle of Tribal Advisors Launches Cultural Awareness Campaign
August 24, 2004
Endorsed by The Advertising Council, the campaign emphasizes cultural understanding, respect for American Indian cultural and historical sites and artifacts, environmental conservation, and native language revitalization.

2005-2006 Tribal Involvement Grants
August 20, 2004
Up to 200,000 will be awarded for tribal bicentennial projects and programs occurring in 2005-2006. The next deadline for applications is December 1, 2004.

South Dakota Symposium Examines the Aftermath of Contact with Lewis and Clark
August 19, 2004
The symposium highlighted indigenous perspectives on the health and future of the Missouri River and on the search for common ground and understanding with organizations, governments, and individuals.

Premier American Indian Flautist to hold free lecture/demo
July 13, 2004
R. Carlos Nakai will host "Voice of the Wind: The Art and Culture of the Native American Flute," a free lecture/demonstration as part of Nebraska's Signature Event commemorating the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.

Otoe-Missouria Nation Returns to Historical Homeland for Lewis and Clark Commemoration
July 13, 2004
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 and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration.

Kansas Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
June 29, 2004
Representatives of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, the Absentee Shawnee, and the Shawnee Tribe will present the Kansas Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission with their official tribal flags.

United States Mint Unveils New Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar at Missouri History Museum
May 25, 2004
United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore announced the public release of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park today.

New Timed Ticket System Starting For Fort Clatsop
February 09, 2004
Tickets now on sale for popular Lewis and Clark site.

The National Council Announces 2004 Tribal Involvement Grants
February 04, 2004
The National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial has received a generous four-year grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

The National Council Announces Signature Events Support Grants
February 04, 2004
A portion of the funds granted to the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial will be re-granted to support cultural awareness or land stewardship activities at the Signature Events.

Hewlett Foundation Announces $2 Million Grant for Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
February 02, 2004
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has announced a $2 million grant to support the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.

Bicentennial Congressional Caucus
January 21, 2004
Learn more about the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Congressional Caucus.

LewisandClark200.gov Partners with 32 Federal Agencies and Organizations
January 21, 2004
Government website aimed at providing comprehensive Lewis and Clark information.

United States Mint Unveils Lewis and Clark Commemorative Coin
December 12, 2003
A new silver dollar is unveiled to commemorate the bicentennial of the expedition of Lewis and Clark.

United States Post Office Announces Lewis and Clark Commemorative Stamps
December 12, 2003
View the commemorative stamps from the United States Postal Office.

United States Mint Announces Nickels for 2004
December 12, 2003
In commemoration of Lewis and Clark's expedition, the five-cent coin will be modified to reflect images evocative of their historic expedition.

Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Launches Ad Council Campaign
December 08, 2003
Ad Council launches campaign to raise awareness of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.

Lewis and Clark Bicentennial is Inaugurated at Monticello
January 18, 2003
January 2003 Commencement of the Commemoration held at Monticello.