[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ON THE AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am pleased to announce that, 
after several years of preparation, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla 
Indians is ready to construct a major cultural museum. The Agua 
Caliente Cultural Museum will be built at the Indian Canyons near Palm 
Springs, California.
  The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum will pay tribute to the Agua 
Caliente Band's rich heritage and at the same time educate the 
community and visitors about the tribe's history of tribulation and 
triumph. This museum will truly be a bridge to the tribe's past and a 
platform for celebrating its future and potential.
  A greatly expanded facility from the temporary museum built in 1995, 
this new 100,000 square-foot museum will house an auditorium, provide 
space for traveling exhibits, and allow for the expansion of the 
current museum's education programs in language, singing and crafts. 
Visitors to the museum will learn about the tribe's history through 
exhibits of photographs, videotaped testimonies and other historical 
artifacts. The facility will also feature exhibits on current issues 
like land and water rights, as well as sovereignty issues.
  When completed, the cultural museum will be a fitting tribute to the 
Agua Caliente Band, its proud traditions and history. The tribe, part 
of the Cahuilla Nation, survived the arrival of the Spanish in 1776, 
and through the centuries has become a strong and enduring people 
despite many challenges. The tribe is an important economic force in 
Southern California, has endowed an extremely generous and ambitious 
philanthropic program, and is a visionary steward of the land. This 
museum will ensure that the great heritage and spirit of the Agua 
Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians are never forgotten and are 
accessible to all.
  I commend all those who have made the dream of an Agua Caliente 
Cultural Musuem a reality.

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