Circle of Tribal Advisors Media Contact
Sammye Meadows
970.641.1355
jermond@pcrs.net
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Contact
Julia Taylor
303.370.6384
jtaylor@dmns.org
MANY NATIONS, MANY VOICES EXHIBIT OPENS AT DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE
DENVER—Opening May 6, 2005, at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the panel exhibit “Many Nations, Many Voices,” a journey by contemporary Native people reflecting on the Lewis and Clark expedition and its irrevocable impact on the tribal nations of this country, will be on display in connection with the national exhibition of Lewis and Clark artifacts.
“Many Nations, Many Voices” was created by the Circle of Tribal Advisors (COTA) of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial for the commencement of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial at Charlottesville, Virginia, in January 2003. Funding was provided by the National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, with support from the National Council of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial, Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara Nation.
The title “Many Nations, Many Voices” recognizes the diverse range of languages, traditions, and experiences for the 114 tribes that Lewis and Clark documented during their historic journey. The exhibit explores 12 themes pertinent to the American Indian experience in the context of the Lewis and Clark expedition, including concerns and challenges facing many tribal groups today. It uses historic and contemporary quotes to illustrate those themes and features magnificent images of tribal homelands and peoples.
The Circle of Tribal Advisors is made up of 41 tribal nations affiliated with the Lewis and Clark Trail. Its mission for the bicentennial is to commemorate and acclaim the contributions and goodwill of tribal ancestors who met Lewis and Clark and to plan for the well-being of future generations. Priority program efforts include greater protection for sacred sites and cultural resources, environmental conservation, and Native language revitalization and preservation. COTA is chaired by Allen Pinkham (Nez Perce) and represents member tribes from Idaho, Indiana/Ohio, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Virginia, and Washington.
For more information about the Circle of Tribal Advisors and its member tribes, go to www.lewisandclark200.org.
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