Piece Description

Part 2 of We Shall Remain tells the story of the pan-Indian resistance movement led by Tecumseh in the 19^th Century.  Tecumseh's defeat and death set the stage for further white encroachment into Indian lands.

The radio piece will examine how the definition of the land and boundaries of the United states developed in conflict with Native Americans, and how modern technology is helping to redefine this conflict.

Background:

The story begins on the border of Ohio, Pennsylvania and W. Virginia at the site of the Point of Beginning of the mapping of the United States. The point was established in 1785 but the US Geological Survey mapping project was delayed for decades due to conflict with native people. It was only after Tecumseh's death and the defeat of the English that the US mapping began in earnest.

Today many tribes are using modern survey techniques and technology to map their homelands, natural resources and preserve their cultures.

The Coeur D'Alene Tribe using IT technology to expand their cultural resources.

Idaho is one;working with the USGS they are part of the Native Names Project.

As a result of the Native Names project at Coeur D'Alene, the USGS was convinced change existing place names to reflect their correct tribal names on the USGS database and maps.  CDA Elders,  and the CDA GIS team working together  with the USGS to reclaim their place names. Noel Campbell, CA Elder explained, "old names that began with squaw this or squaw that have been changed. If you know the meaning of the word, that's not what we want."

The CDA project also has a language component and has archived over 2500 historical photos for the tribe. We'll visit the CDA reservation and see how technology is shaping their future and preserving their past.

Voices:

Felix Aripa, Elder
Noel Campbell, Elder 
Frank Roberts, Head of GIS department
Jill Wagner, CDA Archaeologist
Valerie Fast Horse, Director of the IT Department