"It was a day of firsts on the University of Montana campus.
It was the first day in more than a century that spiritual leaders from all 12 Montana tribes united for a single purpose.
They met at daybreak Friday morning to bless the ground of what will be the country's first full-scale Native American Center to be built on a college campus. The 19,900-square-foot building will house the Native American Studies Department, Native Student Services and other related campus programs.
�Blessing this site renews the spirit of American Indians who came before us on this campus, and we jointly acknowledge that their spirit will continue to flourish,� UM President George Dennison said after each spiritual leader prayed, offered tobacco and shared good thoughts for present and future generations of students.
Some 500 people - including Montana Board of Regents members, staff, faculty and students - gathered to witness the historic ground blessing and healing ceremony where the center will be built on UM's Oval, the last best place."
Get the Story:Jodi Rave: Honored circle: Tribal spiritual leaders from across the state bless future site of Native American Center at UM (The Missoulian 10/14) Relevant Links:
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