[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE OPENING OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

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                               speech of

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 2004

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, ``with the opening of the National Museum of 
the American Indian today, the sun shines a bit brighter on the 
National Mall. This long overdue addition to the Smithsonian is both an 
architectural and cultural feat achieved through hard work, imagination 
and perseverance of Native communities across the country. With its 
combination of traditional materials and state-of-the-art technological 
exhibits the museum is a true testament to native communities' 
commitment to moving forward while honoring the traditions of the past.
  ``Potomac is Algonkin for `where something is brought.' Therefore, it 
is fitting that today on the banks of the Potomac River the Native 
community brings our great nation the gift that is the National Museum 
of the American Indian. By meeting adversity with strength and a 
renewed commitment to the health, welfare and prosperity of their 
people and traditions, the Native community is an inspiration to all 
Americans.''
  ``While we celebrate the opening of the museum we must also take the 
time to recommit ourselves, our nation and our resources to helping 
Native communities across the country. The challenges of providing 
adequate housing, health care and education in Indian Country must be 
met with our full dedication and vigor. We must recommit ourselves to 
providing full ballot access to all of Indian country in this fall's 
election and support the efforts of the legal teams of the Native Vote 
2004: Election Protection.
  ``In addition to dedicating ourselves to addressing the needs of the 
Native community, my Democratic colleagues and I are steadfastly 
committed to protecting tribal sovereignty and protecting the trust 
rights of all in Indian Country. The government-to-government 
relationship between the Federal government and Indian tribes must be 
protected as we legislate and direct funds in Congress. We must honor 
our nation's responsibility to protect the land and resources of Native 
Americans fully and to the benefit of all in Indian Country.''
  ``It is a brighter day in our nation and in all of Indian Country on 
this opening day of the National Museum of the American Indian.''

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