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Bret Carter, who is so
devoted and dedicated to the saving of historical buildings, was involved
with a meeting between the five tribes owning Chilocco and The National
Historical Preservation people. When he called during the evening he was
most elated about the way the meeting had progressed. “Everything was
positive,” he said. The continued work toward getting the old vacant
boarding school to be saved looks to be forthcoming and achievable.
The alumni did not
attend because those five tribes called Confederated Chilocco Association
only wanted to hear the directions and necessary instructions from the
National Historical Preservation at this time. It was possible to go because
any tribal member could since it was an open meeting but my feelings were
that the group should not be distracted in any way. If one could have been
a fly on the wall taking notes, this would have been good in that these
could have been shared with you. The thought was entertained of having
clear scotch tape for my mouth while listening but decided this might be too
obviously distracting, too.
“The meeting went well
and progress looks to be forthcoming.” Bret said. He did say the Historical
society likes to have volunteers to do the actual measuring and writing of
detailed descriptions. This is where the alumni could come into the picture
and it is up for discussion that this could be a goal when we are able to
meet there on the campus. At last we would be given an opportunity to do
something constructive toward saving the legacy of this now historic place.
It would also give us a legitimate reason to be on campus as far as the five
tribes are concerned. We all called Chilocco home and the attachment we have
for our alma mater is part of our make-up. However, I have to keep reminding
myself, the five tribes do own it now and their wishes must be respected. If
we continue to work with them though, in such a positive way, it is great
progress.
Of ideas entertained the
tribes are most comfortable, it seems, with the thought of a memorabilia,
Chilocco museum open to tourists. |
