On Tuesday, June 26th, First Lady Susanne Shore not only expressed her support for the restoration of the Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte Memorial Hospital, but also announced her role as honorary chair of the project’s advisory committee. The First Lady remarked, “Dr. Picotte was an exceptional woman – the first Native American to receive a medical degree in the United States. She built this hospital to serve her people. Restoring it is about preserving Dr. Picotte’s legacy and honoring all of her work. I’m pleased to serve as honorary chair for this effort and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of preserving Dr. Picotte’s legacy.”
The Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs is excited about the First Lady’s support, and the restoration project of the hospital, a building included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of the 11 most endangered historic places of 2018. While updating the hospital building and grounds, the restoration initiative aims to highlight Dr. Picotte’s pioneering role in public health and social reform.
Governor Ricketts echoed the First Lady’s advocacy and stressed the importance of awareness and support throughout Nebraska. The Governor said, “Congratulations on the launch of this historic effort to restore Dr. Picotte’s hospital. The history and heritage of Nebraska’s First Peoples has enriched our state, and preserving it is key to helping Nebraskans remember the figures and work that created the Good Life. I urge Nebraskans to join the Indian Affairs Commission and my wife, Susanne in supporting this cause in the coming months.”
Video citation: Indianz
