By Bernie Hunhoff

I ran into an elderly Indian gentleman on a trip and we got into a discussion of the Lewis and Clark bi-centennial that's going on right now. He wanted me to tell our readers that it should not be considered a celebration. He pointed out that the famed duo brought his people diseases from the very start -- and as more Easterners came this way they lost their buffalo, their lands and a way of life on the plains that had served them well for centuries. "Don't get me wrong," he said, "I wouldn't want to give up my Ford pickup." But he thought "observance" might be a better word. What do you think? Is this just "politically correct" nuancing? Have you been to some of the L&C observances? Was the Native American viewpoint represented?

(By the way, Fort Pierre's Bad River Gathering is this weekend in Fischer's Park. They'll have a keelboat, a Corps of Discovery history exhibit, demonstrations and cultural presentations. You can call 223-7761 for more details.)