October 2021 Newsletter
MOVING FORWARD – RESTORATION PROGRESSES TO NEXT PHASE
As we move into a new season, we also move into a new phase in the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center restoration. Exterior restoration has just been completed, along with seeding the ground around the building. Now, work on Phase III(a) has begun – made possible with the successful fundraising campaign by the Nebraska Medical Association.
What’s the focus of Phase III(a)? BVH Architects and Fauss Construction Company are developing detailed plans to install utilities and remove hazardous materials from the building interior. Work will be completed in spring 2022.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The capital campaign is underway to raise the what is needed to complete the building interior. This will create the space necessary for the Native Arts and Culture Center, interpretive historical museum, a youth center, and a health clinic.
BE PART OF THE PROGRESS.
NEBRASKA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY – DR. SUSAN LA FLESCHE PICOTTE STATUE UNVEILING
On October 11, the unveiling and dedication of an eight-foot bronze statue of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte statue will be part of the observances as the State of Nebraska celebrates its first Indigenous Peoples’ Day observance. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. on the Centennial Mall in Lincoln between L and M streets.
Created by world-renowned artist, Benjamin Victor, the sculpture was commissioned by long-time Lincoln community advocate, Larry Small. According to the artist, “One cannot overstate the intelligence, work ethic, fortitude, selflessness, and compassion of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte.”
The sculpture dedication will start with a traditional Cedar Ceremony, along with comments by several community leaders. A short Powwow exhibition, hosted by the Omaha tribe, will immediately follow the dedication, with a public Nebraska Indigenous People’s Day reception at 1 p.m. in the Scottish Rite building located behind the sculpture. For more details, go to: www.indianaffairs.state.ne.us or visit the Facebook Events page using this link.
NMA FUNDRAISING EFFORTS GOING STRONG
The Nebraska Medical Association feels a special connection to the nation’s first Native American physician and its fundraising efforts are still going strong. A recent luncheon honoring Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, hosted by the group, featured speaker Joe Starita, an award-winning journalist and author of A Warrior of the People: How Susan La Flesche Picotte Overcame Racial and Gender Inequality to Become America’s First Indian Doctor. Attendees included Dr. Rudi Mitchell, a relative of Chief Big Elk; Vida Stabler ; Mioux Stabler; and Siobhan Westcott, M.D., the inaugural holder of the Dr. Susan and Susette La Flesche Professorship in Public Health at UNMC.
The Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center recently received a $300,000 National Park Service grant for the restoration project.
DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT THE INTERIOR RESTORATION
We’re getting so close to realizing the vision of the Susan La Flesche Picotte Center. Help us complete the interior restoration with a tax-deductible donation. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation.
In her own words
“I shall always fight good and hard, even if I have to fight alone.”
– Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte
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