Friends of the Library are planning a road trip for their next book discussion, which will focus on “Black Elk Speaks” by John G. Neihardt. The discussion will be held at the Neihardt Center in Bancroft, Nebraska, on Saturday, October 3 at 10:00 am, followed by lunch in Bancroft.
Friends member, Myra Alley Kingsbury, created the plan for the road trip and explains, “Since Neihardt is one of our most famous Nebraska authors and since he lived in Bancroft it made sense that we would visit his home and the beautiful center that honors his memory.”
Leading the discussion will be Nancy Gillis, former Executive Director of the John Neihardt State Historic Site and the Neihardt Foundation’s Institute for Vision and Learning. In 2014 Gillis received the Addison Sheldon award from the State of Nebraska for “distinguished service to the history of Nebraska in the stories of Native Americans and the writings of John Neihardt” as well as being a consultant for the Sovereign Youth Leadership Camp. Gillis is listed on both the Nebraska Humanities Council and Wayne State College Speakers Bureaus, for presentations on topics such as Neihardt’s legacy, Native American Women’s Oratory, stereotyping of Native Americans in children’s literature and curriculum materials, as well as workshops on teaching about Native Americans for education majors and teacher in-service programs.