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Opening of the National Museum of the American Indian
September 21, 2004
Washington, DC
WOW! What a party!
On an absolutely prefect day, one day in front of the autumnal equinox the Smithsonian Intuition took over the Mall area in Washington, DC with largest gathering of Native American nations ever on record.. All were gathered to celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian’s newest museum, the National Museum of the American Indian.
It was a day of incredible festivities. The event kicked off with the Native Nations Procession. More that 50,000 strong, for over two and a half hours, native representatives from most of the 562 US tribes and native cultures from as far a way as New Zealand & Peru lined both sides of the Mall cheered on by a crowd of well wishers thousands deep. The air was electric. Many of the procession participants were in native dress and danced, sang or even cried the over mile long procession route. Most agreed that this was indeed a historic day and the start of a new beginning with the US government.
Washington DC knows how to throw a party. The procession ended at the new museum and with enough seating for all(!) in attendance. Billboard sized video screens broadcast the main stage events and opening remarks by director W Richard West , Jr.. Tents and events areas lined the Mall offering a glimpse of the finest tribal craftsmen, workshops on music, dancing and more. Native American food offerings were cheap and plentiful and bottled water was handed out free(!) to all.
After the opening ceremonies, the party took on a life of its own. Impromptu drumming circles broke out everywhere and an air of emotional high and festivity swept thru the crowd until long past sunset. The museum itself stayed open round the clock to accommodate the thousands that had signed up for timed passes months in advance.
All in all it was a party not to be missed. It was the start of a new period of cooperation & recognition between the US government and its native populations and a celebration that was long over due and will be remembered for many lifetimes.
Veritatem dies aperit.
LA. Judge
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