News Releases for October 2003
October 16, 2003
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Hoeven Participates In Sakakawea Statue Dedication
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today participated in dedication ceremonies in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the installation of a statue of Sakakawea, the legendary guide and companion of Lewis and Clark on their historic Corps of Discovery Expedition to the Pacific in 1804-1806. Her statue will be the first Native American and only the sixth woman to be honored by a state in Statuary Hall.
“Strong, proud and resourceful, Sakakawea embodies the legendary pioneer spirit of North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “Her strength, hard work and persistence on the Corps of Discovery are traits that all North Dakotans today are proud to claim. Her statue in Statuary Hall says for us and for future generations that we respect and appreciate the proud native heritage Sakakawea represents.”
Hoeven thanked the Three Affiliated Tribes, Congressman Earl Pomeroy, the North Dakota Historical Society and Heritage Center, as well as other state agencies for their efforts to complete the project over the past couple of years. He also thanked the North Dakota Federation of Women’s Clubs, North Dakota school children and several private donors who contributed nearly $200,000 to replicate and install the statue in Statuary Hall.
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