Native American contributors read from the book, Lewis and Clark Through Indian Eyes, published by Knopf. The late Alvin Josephy, Jr., co-edited the book and his daughter read from the introduction. The book is a compilation of nine essays from ten descendants of the native peoples whose homelands were traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, telling of the important role of Native Americans in the success of the trip and the expedition’s long-term effect on the Native American people it encountered.

The event began with an honor song rendered by the Singers of Northern Dakota.

Roberta Conner is of Cayuse, Umatilla, and Nez Perce heritage and is the director of the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. 

Allen V. Pinkham, Sr. served as chairman of the Nez Perce Tribe’s governing body. 

“Lewis and Clark: Currents of Change” was the final signature event of the three-year celebration by the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. This program was part of a two-day academic symposium at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis.