NCIA Director emphasizes education to Ponca youth

Judi gaiashkibos, Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, spoke to descendents of Chief Standing Bear about the importance of education and the past, present, and future of the Ponca Tribe Thursday morning.  As a descendent of Chief Smoke Maker, Judi also related her family's historical experience within the Ponca Tribe.  She recalled the tribe's termination period and their struggle to gain federal recognition while encouraging youth to take advantage of the multitude of resources now available to them thanks to the restoration efforts led by former Ponca Chairman Fred LeRoy.  The session was led by Steve Laravie and sponsored by Native American Public Telecommunications (NAPT) and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.