| More than 100 people from as far away as Canada, Florida and California gathered at the Montana Historical Society for the two-day international David Thompson Conference June 15th and 16th. The presenters at the conference, shown below in front of Herd Bull, came from Canada and the U.S. and included experts in such areas as surveying, the fur trade, Native Americans, map making and others who have studied all aspects of David Thompson's life. In addition to formal presentations, those who attended also took part in such things as Native American archery demonstrations, receptions and heard entertainment from Native American drummers. Society archivist Rich Aarstad, who organized the conference, said the diverse backgrounds of those who attended sparked new ideas and insights into the life of Thompson and his role in the history of the Pacific Northwest. Thompson came into the northwest on the heels of Lewis and Clark and spent more time and met more tribes here than his American counterparts. The conference and the ongoing David Thompson Bicentennial Commemoration are intended to bring more attention to the incredible life of this important trailblazer. Another conference is being planned in Idaho for next year. |
