A Season of Gratitude – The Picotte Center’s Fall Newsletter

Written By Luna Project

In this season of change and transformation, The Picotte Center is delighted to share the latest updates in our fall newsletter. We’re thrilled to report significant progress toward our goals as we continue our mission to empower and uplift our community.

As we reflect on the past few months, we can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the outpouring of support from our community. Your generosity, time, and enthusiasm have been instrumental in our achievements, and we’re truly thankful for your ongoing support.

Make it stand out

Book Release – HEALER; Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte

Introducing a captivating new book release, HEALER; Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, by Nancy Waltman. This extraordinary work takes readers on an intimate journey into the Life and legacy of Dr. Susan, a tribal healer and woman of unparalleled courage.

Through her skillful storytelling, Nancy Waltman paints a heartfelt portrait of Dr. Susan, the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree, who dedicated her life to caring for people and bridging cultural divides. HEALER offers a deeply personal exploration of Dr. Susan’s experiences, struggles, and triumphs, revealing the remarkable resilience that made her a true pioneer in her time.

This book is a must-read for those seeking inspiration and insight into the life of an exceptional healer and advocate for change. For more information about HEALER, check out this recent book review from the Lincoln Journal Star.

HEALER; Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte is available at local bookstores, and Nancy Waltman is donating a portion of the proceeds to The Picotte Center. 

Countdown to Transformation – The Final Phase Approaches 

Last year, we were awarded a generous $300,000 grant from the National Park Service. As part of the grant's requirements, our building plans underwent a thorough review by the National Park Service. This comprehensive process commenced in December of 2022 and culminated in August 2023, when we received their valuable feedback and full approval. Following this, our dedicated architects diligently completed the plans at the start of October. 

At present, these finalized plans are in the midst of the bidding process. The responsibility for issuing bids to subcontractors and compiling the ultimate cost estimate lies with our trusted partner, Fass Construction Company. We anticipate the completion of these pricing proposals by mid November. 

Once the pricing proposals are received, our next steps involve a meticulous review of the costs, followed by contract negotiations with Fass Construction Company. This marks a pivotal juncture, as it signifies our imminent transition to the final phase of our project: the interior restoration of The Picotte Center. Exciting times lie ahead as we embark on this transformative journey.

Exhibit Timeline and Artifact Collection

With the projected timeline for completing the interior restoration set for December 2024, The 106 Group, based in St. Paul, MN, will have the exhibit design fully prepared for installation. Their work is expected to commence in December 2024 and conclude in early 2025, aligning with the anticipated opening of The Picotte Center to the public.

We’re excited to share that we have received a remarkable artifact gift for the exhibit, generously provided by an anonymous relative of Dr. Susan. This collection includes an array of Native artifacts, such as moccasins, beadwork, pipes, and tobacco pouches, all crafted by Dr. Susan's own relatives. These cherished items will take center stage in our artifact display once the Picotte Center is open to the public.

We continue to actively gather artifacts for the exhibit from our community. Your contributions are invaluable in helping us create a rich and immersive experience that pays homage to Dr. Susan's legacy and the cultural heritage she embodied. If you have an artifact you’d like to display at the Picotte Center, contact one of the following board members: 

Board Member Spotlight – Gordon Picotte

In this newsletter’s Board Member Spotlight, we turn the focus to Gordon Picotte. Discover more about his passion and involvement in The Picotte Center through the following interview.

Tell us about your background and what motivated you to join The Picotte Center's board.

I am the great-grandson of Dr. Susan. My siblings and I have heard about Dr. Susan from early childhood from both our father and our grandfather, Pierre La Flesche Picotte. Starting with Norma Kidd Greene’s book, Iron Eye’s Family, and accelerating rapidly in the last decade, more and more information about Dr. Susan is being presented to the public, which resulted in the unveiling of her statue two years ago. Speaking for my family and myself, we are grateful for the efforts of so many people and organizations that have made this long-overdue recognition possible.

When I was offered the opportunity to join the board, I hesitated briefly to accept as I was not sure of how I could help. I eventually decided I would just do the best I could to help the different projects along. I determined to try and make sure that whatever actions the board took, they would benefit all the citizens of Walthill and the region, as I felt that is what Dr. Susan would want. I should not have worried. The diverse and talented board members seem to have the same vision and the expertise to make it happen!

What do you consider the most significant achievement or milestone The Picotte Center has reached during your time on the board?

I cannot choose one achievement as the board is moving forward with a variety of efforts that are helping to create a community-based center that will benefit all of the citizens of the area.

Can you share a fun or unexpected fact about yourself that people might not know?

I am a very enthusiastic but poor participant in correspondence chess!

Is there anything else you want to add or share with our readers or any message you'd like to convey to The Picotte Center's supporters?

I would like to see more and more individual contributions to this effort, monetary or otherwise.

Lilac Legacy

An interesting and not-so-well-know fact about Dr. Susan is that her favorite flower was the lilac.

Back in 1913, she planted a lilac hedge along the side of the building, and remarkably, this same lilac still thrives today. We're delighted to share that this historic lilac will play a cherished role in our final site design, a living link to the past that will continue to bloom as a symbol of Dr. Susan's lasting influence.

To ensure the authenticity of this precious lilac, we engaged a landscape consultant who confirmed that it is indeed the very same one planted by Dr. Susan over a century ago. The presence of this lilac not only enriches the physical landscape but also provides a poignant connection to the remarkable history of The Picotte Center. We look forward to preserving and celebrating this beautiful piece of history as we move forward with our project.

 

Site Development Progress Report

Deloris Silkworth and her company, Confluence, are on the verge of initiating the final planning stages for phase one of site development. This essential phase encompasses the construction of a parking lot, sidewalks, and other paving solutions to ensure convenient parking when the building is completed late next year. 

We are pleased to confirm that the funding for phase one of site development has been secured, and we are actively engaged in fundraising efforts to support the overall completion of the site development project. 

Madison's Inspiring School Project on Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte

We are thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of Madison, a talented and dedicated student who undertook an exceptional school project centered on the life and legacy of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte. 

Madison's efforts have not only been recognized by her peers, teachers, and the wider community, but they have also earned her the prestigious title of the top high school entry in the entire world for the unsung hero contest!

As part of her project, Madison produced a compelling documentary that delves into the incredible journey of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, a true unsung hero. Her documentary is a heartfelt tribute to this trailblazing Native American physician and advocate for change, whose groundbreaking work continues to inspire and educate us today.

We invite you to watch Madison's documentary and join us in celebrating her dedication and success. You can view her documentary here.

Luna Project
Next

Exciting Announcement: Welcome Elizabeth Lovejoy Brown as Executive Director of The Picotte Center