Hubbard Lecture to focus on tribal economics

Lance Morgan, chief executive officer and president of Ho-Chunk Inc., and a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, will deliver the fifth annual Claire M. Hubbard First Peoples of the Plains Lecture at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St.

A free public reception will precede the lecture at 6 p.m.

Morgan’s talk is titled “Tribal Economics: A Dark Past and Promising Future.” He will discuss the scarcity of economic opportunities on Native reservations during much of the 20th century and how new initiatives are dramatically improving the outlook for Nebraska tribes.

Morgan is also the managing partner in the law firm Fredericks, Peebles and Morgan. He has been president of the Native American Contractors Association and is a board member for several entities. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1990 and a juris doctor from Harvard Law School in 1993.

“The Hubbard lectureship is among few such series in the United States devoted to advancing the public understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage and contributions of the first peoples,” said Susan Weller, director of the University of Nebraska State Museum. “The series is an amazing gift to Nebraskans that enriches all our lives.”

The reception and lecture are sponsored by the state museum, Center for Great Plains Studies and Great Plains Art Museum. The lecture is made possible by contributions from Anne M. Hubbard and the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation.

“The Center for Great Plains Studies has made Native American scholarship one of its highest priorities,” said Rick Edwards, the center’s director. “We see the Hubbard Lecture as an excellent forum to talk both about historical and current issues.”