News Releases for November 2001
November 27, 2001
Contact: Marijo Shide, General Federation of Women's Clubs of North Dakota (701) 343-2149
Avis Van Wechel, General Federation of Women's Clubs of North Dakota (701) 786-2238
Hoeven Encourages Youth Participation In Sakakawea Project
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today invited students across the state to participate in fundraising efforts to place a statue of Sakakawea in Statutory Hall in Washington D.C. Sakakawea has been designated as one of two statues selected to represent North Dakota at the nation’s capital. In cooperation with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), a goal has been set to raise $50,000 in donations from students. GFWC is seeking to raise 50 cents per K-12 student in the effort to reach their goal.
“Following the events of September 11, North Dakotans, and all Americans have experienced a new sense of patriotism and pride in our heritage,” Hoeven said. “Honoring Sakakawea with the help of our children will help to preserve our heritage for future generations.”
The total cost of the statue project is estimated at $200,000. This involves making repairs to the original statute and to cast an exact copy of that statue for Washington. The GFWC is working with the State Historical Society to raise this money. Thus far, students have accounted for raising $11,052.
In the past, North Dakota students have been involved in gifting Norway with a bust of Abraham Lincoln, as well as working with the GFWC to provide the North Dakota Centennial Youth Statues, “Pioneers of the Future” on the Capitol Grounds in 1989.
GFWC’s target date to have the funds in place for the statue is December 31, 2001. This will allow for the statue to be positioned in Statutory Hall in 2003, to coincide with the beginning of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Observance.
“Sakakawea has roots deep in North Dakota’s rich history, and this is an excellent project to honor her contribution to our state,” Hoeven said. “It’s also a tremendous way to involve our young people by helping them to remember the pioneering spirit that first brought our ancestors to North Dakota - those who took the first steps and persevered, so that today we can call it our home.”
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