Introductions were made. A list of attendees is attached. A quorum for this meeting was satisfied.

Chairman Hull called meeting to order at 9:10 AM.

Hull reported that the four finalist scripts had arrived and he appointed a script selection committee to consist of: Dr. Moulton, Charles Bethea, Paula Rhian, Ron Hull, and Judi gaiashkibos.

Dr. Moulton inquired as to the timeframe for the selection process. Hull replied that he wants everyone to let him know his or her choice by March 15th.

Hull reported that the letter from Roger Wehrbein is going out to potential donors next week. Ron and Jeanene will be meeting with the potential donors. Rhian read the list of potential donors. Hull explained that the game plan is to send the letter, have Rhian call and set up meetings; Hull and Wehrbein will meet with them and give them our press packet. Jim Morley reported to the commission the people on our list that Washington County had contacted.

9:30AM Judi gaiashkibos arrived.

Hull stated that Wehrbein has prepared a two-page letter to go in the press packets for fundraising. Moulton asked for a copy of the proposal. Hull stated that Rhian would send it to all commissioners. Bob Powalski asked about putting the letter on the website. Hull said to put it on the website. Moulton asked what would be in the packets. Rhian explained it would be the bio sheets, postcards, National Park Service Map, the Nebraskaland Lewis and Clark issue and the letter.

The minutes from last meeting were approved. Sommer moved to approve, Curran seconded. A roll call vote was taken. Voting aye: Moulton, Sommer, Stearns, gaiashkibos, Wehrbein, Hull, Stokes, Slader, Johnson, Curran. Absent, not voting: Ruth, Williams, and Mitchell.

Hull reported on the Governor’s invitation to Chairman Grant. After not hearing from the chairman Hull went to gaiashkibos for assistance in contacting him. She called and left messages but received no reply. Then she faxed a letter stating the issue. He responded to her on Monday the 10th in a message that he couldn’t come to the breakfast. She tried to call and reschedule but has gotten no response. The executive committee decided to have Gerard Baker contact Chairman Grant for the meeting. gaiashkibos recommended having the Ponca or Omaha tribal chair contact him. Nancy Hoch mentioned that Sylvester has always said to go through him. Wehrbein stated she is not sure where Sylvester is coming from. The governor wanted to meet with Chairman Grant. Dr. Moulton asked for clarification on who is really involved. Chairman Grant is the head of the tribe, Sylvester is the liaison. Where does Bat fit in? gaiashkibos asked what does Sylvester want? What can we do to make him happy? How do we make this work? Curran remarked that there have been inconsistencies, he would like for the Commission to get clarification and direction from the tribe for the Signature Event. Hull asked Matt Jones what he thought. Jones said that sending the letter to the chairman instead of to Sylvester did not follow protocol. gaiashkibos disagreed. Jones explained that Bat Shunatona is a direct descendent of Shunatona/Big Horse who met with Lewis and Clark. Jones went on to explain that the clans are divided. Sylvester is getting input from both sides. Some members are very opposed to this event. Sylvester is doing the best he can under the circumstances. The council wants to know what’s going on. Grant is somewhat out of the loop, the council makes these decisions. Some members do feel it is important but they are in the minority.
Judi gaiashkibos rebutted that if the scenario was reversed and the tribe was dealing with difficult communication issues, it would be appropriate for the tribe to contact the Governor and try to meet with him. We weren’t trying to do anything underhanded, we were just trying to improve communications. Judi asker her husband gaiashkibos as past president of the National Congress of American Indians to comment. gaiashkibos stated he has worked with leaders across the country and appropriate protocol would be to send the letter to the Chairman or chief of a tribe. He stated that many tribal governments were like legislative bodies. gaiashkibos went on to say that you can’t be held hostage until the last minute not knowing who will be involved. It’s a red flag if you have to go through someone before you can go to the chairman. Jim Swenson has been directed to contact Gerard Baker about this issue. Jim asked for assistance from Judi gaiashkibos when he does this.

Hull then reported that he, Wehrbein, and Swenson would be reporting to the Highway Commission on Friday the 21st. Moulton inquired what would be covered. Hull stated it would bring them up to speed on Signature event and the implications for the roads.

Hull reminded the commissioners that they each have $600 to be used towards the cost of attending a signature event. Hull stated that he thought we should have the booth at the Signature events in St. Louis and Kansas City. Hoch stated she would like to have a booth next to the commission at both events. Stearns and Slader reported that they would be attending the Falls of the Ohio event in October.

Wehrbein Vice Chair report – The duration of commissioner terms. Wehrbein reported that the governor’s office had informed the commission that all terms were up in June. Wehrbein went over the fact that the time commitment will grow greater as the project continues. She stated that we need everyone’s help and to please take time to think about your decision.

gaiashkibos asked what will happen to her position is the Indian Commission is cut from the budget. Rhian stated she would ask the Governor’s office. Rhian passed out the letters for commissioners to sign stating their decision.

Wehrbein continued by reporting that the Mouth of the Platte February meeting had a Patrick Gass reenacter who brought his Newfoundland with him. Wehrbein and Swenson are the program for March’s meeting. Wehrbein stated that the city of Omaha doesn’t seem to always remember about the commission. Asked everyone to think of groups that would like a presentation on the commission or signature event.

Nancy Hoch suggested coming to a Rotary meeting in Nebraska City.

Hull mentioned that the Glass concerto will be performed by the Omaha Symphony and that would help us to tie in with Omaha.

gaiashkibos stated that Chuck Trimble of the Omaha World Herald did an interview with Gerard Baker, Dennis Hastings, Tammy Buffalohead and another person she couldn’t remember. Why wasn’t a commissioner included in this interview? We need to get people ready to give presentations, do radio and TV spots, give interviews to the newspapers. This will help to ensure that people know we’ve been here and have done the hard work behind the scenes.

Hull stated he liked that idea and we should call the local radio stations and set up meetings.

Moulton asked about writing a letter to all the communities along the trail.

Stearns reported that he was at Niobrara the night before and half of the people he spoke to didn’t know the commission existed. The people in that area are very focused on their projects. The commission is heavy in Lincoln involvement; he stated that he thinks we need more from other parts of the state.

Wehrbein stated we should invite those people to the retreat in May.

Stearns asked about meeting in Nebraska City, Ponca or Omaha. He stated that the NE/IA commission is very grass roots and has great local involvement.

Johnson stated that we need to work with the local people more.

Hoch invited the commission to meet in Nebraska City.

Hull asked do we want to have a commission meeting or just talk to the public?

Sommer stated that logistics wise it would be better to do both together. Have the commission meeting first and then an open forum with the public.

Gaiashkibos mentioned this would also be a good PR opportunity. We could a series of articles called “On the Road with the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission”.

Swenson gave the Executive Director’s report. Referencing signed and filed copies of documents provided by Larry Ruth, he stated that the MOU which the commission has with the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma, a representative of their tribe will be contacted after the script has been selected in order to check for historical authenticity. According to the MOU the commission has with the Otoe-Missouria Sylvester will be contacted after the script has been selected to check for historical accuracy. Commenting on the letters to the towns along the trail Swenson stated he thought that is a great idea. He suggested also sending letters to the county superintendents, Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus, and the mayors. Stressed that we do need more press coverage but also accurate coverage, citing the photo in the Waverly paper that stated the event in Virginia was at George Washington’s house instead of Monticello. Swenson reported that the May retreat at Niobrara has been moved to the 21st-23rd due to scheduling conflicts. The plan right now is to have an informal day on Wednesday, the arrival day, with some tours of local sights. Thursday morning could be the official meeting, a raft trip on the Missouri that afternoon, and an informal reception that evening inviting some entertainment and local interests. Friday morning finish up of business. Return that same day.

gaiashkibos suggested inviting all the local tribal chairs and possibly dancers. Swenson indicated that he would like to visit with Judi in order to coordinate the details.

Moulton inquired is spouses were invited. Hull said yes.

gaiashkibos added that we could tour the Ponca tribe site and see the Powwow grounds, let them tell us what they are doing. She also asked about forming a Press Committee and having stories ready to give to the press.

Stearns voiced his agreement about seeing the Ponca or Santee Sioux sites. Also mentioned that Lori Larson can coordinate a tour of the Shannon Trail towns. They are trying to cut down the barriers of the river and getting people to cross back and forth.

Stokes stated his support for getting local buy in and having them tell us what are doing.

Moulton asked if we needed to vote on changing the date or if Rhian could just email everyone. It was decided that an email would be sufficient.

Johnson volunteered to be on the PR committee.

Swenson continued his report by stating that the land lease agreement was reviewed by the Attorney General’s office on Wednesday the 19th. It is for the land south of the park at $150 an acre (a year ), for 2 years with a total of 100 acres. This will serve as a parking lot and area for support functions, and to help to limit potential for unsolicited commercial development that could potentially spring up all over and cause traffic issues. He has also been in negotiations with the landowner to the east for 73 more acres. US Fish and Wildlife has land close as well and are willing to work with us if the need for more land arises. Swenson reported that all of these elements are part of the plan to ensure preservation of the site. Swenson stated that the lease does have an exit clause after the first year if something would happen and budgets fall through. We can get out of the second year of the contract if we notify them by September 1, 2003. Swenson went on to report that the National Bicentennial Council will have it’s meeting in April at Great Falls, Montana. Swenson, Rhian, gaiashkibos, and Stearns will be attending. The actual costs for the Monticello event will be released at that meeting. Swenson reported that on Monday he would be meeting with a landscape architect at UNL to start planning parking and access issues for the Fort Atkinson site.

Stokes offered his expertise on erosion and grass planting issues.

Curran reported for Emanuel that there would be one more meeting on the NE/IA map.

Slader asked if they had enough funds to print.

Curran stated to ask Skip Meisner but he thinks they have a time frame set up for printing.

Wehrbein asked when the maps would be sent out.

Pawloski reported that they’ve been receiving a lot of updates.

Curran said they are waiting to know the complete dollar amount so they know how many they will print. Curran also offered to go to any fundraising meetings.

Coordinator Report – Rhian
Rhian reported that Mary Gunderson, author of the Food Journals of Lewis and Clark, has offered to demonstrate all four days of our event for $2500 plus lodging and food costs of $25 per class. She would do as many classes per day as we need. Stated that the commission has a booth reserved at the Nebraska Press Association Trade Show April 11th. She reported on the bids received from Awards Unlimited and Rixstine Trophy for getting more lapel pins made. Awards Unlimited came in at $.49 per pin and Rixstine’s bid was $.60 per pin. Executive committee had previously decided to order more pins and now Award’s Unlimited has been chosen for an order of 2500 pins. (Roll call Vote was recorded – All voting Aye) Rhian reported that the Governor has decided to keep the old photo on the new road maps but the map will have a Lewis and Clark theme. She brought up the point that we need to get a brochure for our Signature Event and it could be something simple but we need to be able to list a few headliner names. Rhian stated we need to set a date for the June meeting. June 26th was decided on. Wehrbein moved that we schedule the meeting for June 26th, Sommer seconded. A roll call vote was taken. Voting aye: Moulton, Sommer, Stearns, gaiashkibos, Wehrbein, Hull, Stokes, Slader, Johnson, Curran. Absent, not voting: Ruth, Williams, and Mitchell

Commissioner round table
Johnson reported that Stearns is presenting at the state’s birthday party on March 7th and will be speaking in a forum. She also reported that she would be gone for a month due to her back surgery.

Slader reported that he had brought in some materials on the trail for people to look at.

Stokes volunteered for the PR committee.

Gaiashkibos reported that Sammy Meadows called her and she will be present for a discussion on protocol with tribal authorities. She inquired whether or not she should mention any difficulties we have had.

Swenson stated he thought it was fine as long as no tribal name was mentioned.

Stearns agreed and said it was a good way for people to learn from each other.

Gaiashkibos continued on to say that Wednesday was their hearing before the legislature and asked anyone willing to come and show support for the Indian Commission. She also reported that there is a retreat Thursday through Saturday in Nebraska City for her commission. Reported that the White Clay march will be on Saturday.

Hull thanked Stearns for all the work he has done. Stearns stated he wanted to make sure that we invite all the local groups to our meetings in April and May.

Advisor roundtable

Pawloski reported that there is a new graphic on the website. He had a meeting with Sonny Mares of the Omaha CVB and Todd Lempke of Omaha magazine is looking for graphics and photos. Curran reported that Michael Forsberg was hired to shoot sites up and down the river for slides and tourism has these. Pawloski stated that in the Omaha World Herald article is wasn’t mentioned that Omaha is the National Headquarters for the Lewis and Clark trail office of the National Park Service. Stearns stated that the Corps of Engineers national headquarters is also in Omaha. Wehrbein asked if the website has a calendar. Pawloski replied that the g-net site does and he can make that a more prominent link on our site. gaiashkibos stated she thought we should have a speaker’s bureau listed so people can contact us via the web. Wehrbein stated that we needed a calendar for people to look at. Pawloski also said you can submit events to the National Council’s website.

Jim Barr reported that Skip Meisner has talked with him about businesses needing funding for the next 2-3 years. He has looked for applicable loan programs but didn’t find many.

Hastert invited everyone to the monthly Mouth of the Platte meeting at Caniglia’s the third Tuesday of every month. He reminded everyone of the opening of Lewis and Clark landing in Omaha on May 3rd. Asked about other people being able to take the tours at Niobrara with the commission.

Morley gave an update on the monument project and working with the Big Muddy workshop for landscaping. The statues are 97% complete and will go to the foundry soon. In 2 weeks he will go to the studio for final approval. By the first half of July the statues should be delivered. He showed everyone the location for the statues on the map. Passed out flyer for the dedication ceremony on August 3rd. Passed around the First Council medallions.

Hoch complimented the commission on their booth at Monticello. She charged the commission to show the river as the trail from Rulo to Lynch.

Gaiashkibos reported that World magazine is a good place to advertise to a world marketplace. Also stated that the Powwow of the plains exhibit will be at the Powwow she is working on.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:35.

Attendees
Commissioners Quorum present (10 of 13)
Dr. Moulton
Larry Sommer
Hal Stearns
Judi gaiashkibos
Jeanene Wehrbein
Ron Hull
Leroy Stokes
John Slader
Judith Johnson
Dan Curran

Staff
Paula Rhian
Jim Swenson

Advisors and guests
Randy Yates
Matt Jones
Jim Barr
Nancy Hoch
Bob Hastert
Bob Pawloski
Jim Morley
gaiashkibos