Dec. 31, 2002
Associated Press
NEW TOWN, N.D. - The Three Affiliated Tribes is planning a new interpretive center that also will serve as a center for children, in preparation for the Lewis and Clark bicentennial.
The center will be across a Missouri River bay to the west of the existing tribal administration building, said Amy Mossett, the tribal tourism director. Tribal officials are soliciting government and private donations, and hope to have the center finished in time for New Town's Lewis and Clark celebration, scheduled Aug. 17-20, 2006.
"We want to build the interpretive center not just because of the bicentennial commemoration," Mossett said. "We want to build the interpretive center as a lasting legacy and as an educational and cultural center for our children."
Earth lodges are to be built next to the interpretive center.
Tribal officials preparing for the Lewis and Clark event are working to revitalize traditional arts.
Mossett said the tribes want to register an official logo that would be part of product licensing agreements. The tribal legal department is developing a program for product endorsement.
"This whole tourism industry is new for all tribes," Mossett said. "I think we've really taken a proactive approach to the bicentennial. We were the first tribes to create a tourism office."
The Legislature provided money for improvements at Lake Sakakawea, Fort Stevenson and Lewis and Clark state parks, as well as other projects. Last summer marked the first time in years that full-time naturalists were on staff at the three parks, said Dave Leite, the Lake Sakakawea State Park assistant manager.
Programs also were expanded at Fort Abraham Lincoln, and Cross Ranch State Park along the Missouri River.
Lake Sakakawea State Park is getting new displays in its visitor center, including the bronze plaque used to create the Sakakawea dollar coin.