Profile of Sacagawea with her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau being carried on her back.

Sacagawea (1788-1812) was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition achieve each of its chartered mission objectives exploring the Louisiana Purchase. With the expedition, between 1804 and 1806, she traveled thousands of miles from North Dakota to the Pacific Ocean, established cultural contacts with Native American populations, and researched natural history.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was the first American expedition to cross what is now the western portion of the United States, departing in May 1804, from near St. Louis making their way westward through the continental divide to the Pacific coast.

Engraver: Glenna Goodacre (GG)

Depicts an eagle staff, an American Indian symbol of respect, honor, and patriotism, together with an American flag to represent the dual citizenship of Native Americans.

On June 2, 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act was enacted, conferring U.S. citizenship upon "all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States." A significant aspect of the Act was that it did not mandate American Indians to renounce their tribal citizenship, allowing them to retain their tribal identity and communal tribal property rights.

Beyond providing American Indians with the rights and protections granted to U.S. citizens, this Act contributed to the nation's richness by embracing diverse perspectives and cultures. It empowered Indians to become citizens of the United States on their own terms, preserving their individuality and tribal affiliations.

Designer: Phebe Hemphill (PH)