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Last spring, University leaders and students gathered to accept a second gift from Terry
Payne and the Payne Family to build the new "Eloise Cobell Land and Culture Institute".
The center, located in the lower level of the Payne Center, will allow students to learn
and do further research on land issues impacting indigenous cultures here in the West and all
over the globe...
CHRIS COMER/DEAN, UM COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES"We're probably a few weeks away from starting the
project. So yeah, the materials will be lined up soon. The contractors in place. We're going
through our final meetings to make all the preparations and make sure classes aren't
disrupted as we go through the construction process."
This lower level will have state-of-the-art lab and class space, including the capability
to connect virtually with lecturers, researchers and other colleges from around the world.
And there'll be a special atmosphere respective of tribal cultures, using natural light, and
the "wheel" design from the building above... COMER"Part of it is the bricks and mortar
to get this space fitted and completed. But the second part is really to make sure the
programs that come to life in this space will be exciting to the students and for that there's
going to be a lot of partners on campus to make sure its exciting. And actually have
a lot of partnerships that are emerging with the tribal colleges to make sure we use the
space in a powerful way." The center is to pay tribute to Cobell, who
fought tirelessly for Native American land claims before her passing 2-years ago...
COMER"Well this has become the premier building on campus . People love it. It's a great place
to hold meetings. And we want to make sure this new level that's named for Eloise Cobell
will do her justice, and the Blackfeet People, and really make us proud as a people as a
region for what we can do to work on behalf of native people's issues."
In Missoula, Dennis Bragg, MTN News.