Thursday July 1^st, 2004

On July 1^st, 2004 Dick and David drove the UMBSN camper up to Wabasha, MN where we had a booth reserved under the National Eagle Center tent right on the river. We made use of the booth space and table to meet with stakeholders that were interested in clean water issues and to get some survey cards filled out. Wabasha provided us with a very positive audience, and many stakeholders including Senator Steve Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Carol Maleneau came by to visit. Winifred Red Cloud, a Lacota Indian, presented the invocation for the Grand Excursion event in Wabasha in both the traditional Dakota language and in English. Red Cloud then led the Prairie Island Drum Ceremony with eight other Dakota Indians from various tribes to honor the Wambli (eagle) and the delegation of senators and politicians attending the ceremony. The three eagles Harriet, Angel and Columbia were also presented by the National Eagle Center on the main stage. A collection of historic and replica flags was also presented during the ceremony. Live music was provided by John Bernadot and Patty Darbo under the National Eagle Center tent. Beginning at 2:20pm, riverboats including the Julia Belle Swain, Spirit of Peoria and the Anson Northrup arrived in Wabasha. Lots of people turned out for both the Grand Excursion ceremony and the art show and live music extending down Main Street to the Historic Anderson House restaurant and bakery.

 Visiting Dignitaries: Senator Steve Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Carol Maleneau stopped by the UMBSN booth in Wabasha to learn about clean water issues.

 Invocation Ceremony: Winfred Redcloud of the Lacota Tribe leads an invocation ceremony for the Grand Excursion activities in Wabasha, MN. Children hold replicas of historic flags in the foreground while a delegation of politicians listens from the stage.

Prairie Island Drum Ceremony: Red Cloud leads the Prairie Island Drum Ceremony with eight other Dakota Indians from various tribes to honor the Wambli (eagle) and the delegation of politicians attending the ceremony. The drumming and chanting in the native Dakota language lasted about ten minutes and was recorded by several onlookers.

Eagles Honored: The three eagles Harriet (left), Angel (center) and Columbia (right) were presented by the National Eagle Center.