The Betty Strong Encounter Center connects to the Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to serve a permanent mission of "commemorating a history of encounters" that occurred before and after the expedition.
It hosts free photo and art exhibitions, and offers free programs, events and activities that explore themes of the land, rivers and people of the region. Themes are as diverse as agriculture, Mighty Mo fishing, heritage food and music, and Native Games days.
The 10,000-square foot Encounter Center features galleries, an activity room, restrooms, an amphitheatre and areas for outdoor games and events. The Stanley Evans Auditorium hosts lectures, music and theatre programs, movies and panel discussions. An enclosed pathway known as "The River Connection" invites visitors to encounter maps and images of the Missouri River,
from Yankton, S.D., through Sioux City and on to Omaha. The river segment is joined to the Encounter Center at "The Crossroads," a symbol of hope for dialogue, understanding and peace among all people.
Don Doll, S.J., is Professor of Photojournalism at Creighton University, Omaha, where he holds the Charles and Mary Heider Endowed Jesuit Chair. He has received the Kodak Crystal Eagle Award for Impact in Photojournalism in recognition of his work with Native people. He also has received the Nikon "World Understanding through Photography" award. He was named the 2006 Nebraska Artist of the Year by the Nebraska Arts Council. Fr. Doll is the Center's photo consultant. (Richard Olsenius photo)