OTTAWA — The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma has presented a $100,000 gift to Ottawa University for a signature fire and water feature that will be located in front of the new Gangwish Library. Construction on the new library and adjoining student center will begin next summer. The proposed art feature will symbolize the Council of Three Fires, referring to the time the Pottawatomi, the Ojibwe and the Ottawa tribes were all one group but later divided into three. Ottawa First Chief Ethel Cook said the tribe board approved the gift to acknowledge how much Ottawa University has been doing for the Ottawas. In 1865, the Ottawa tribe donated 65 acres on which to build Ottawa University. As part of the deal, tribe members received a free college education or graduate degree from Ottawa Uuniversity. Five years ago, the deal was expanded to include all nine of OU’s campuses and the on-line learning service. Three hundred Ottawa tribe members have received degrees from OU since the expansion.
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m.
