[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 123 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1319-E1320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF JOHNPAUL JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2014

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Johnpaul Jones for 
his distinguished architecture, his commitment to honoring our natural 
world and cultures, and his accomplishments as a recipient of the 2013 
National Humanities Medal.

[[Page E1320]]

   A Bainbridge Island resident of 43 years, Johnpaul Jones has 
enriched our community and historical awareness through his holistic 
approach to space design. Locally, he has earned the title of ``Island 
Treasure'' for his help in designing the Japanese American Exclusion 
Memorial and the Waypoint Park on Bainbridge Island. In designing the 
gorilla exhibit and the elephant house at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, 
Mr. Jones' unique approach pioneered a movement to design more natural 
habitats for zoo animals.
   Mr. Jones' design philosophy is deeply rooted in his Cherokee-
Choctaw ancestors. Johnpaul Jones' projects have demonstrated an 
ingrained respect for the natural world and native landscapes and for 
enhancing awareness of the indigenous people, cultures, and the 
communities in which they inhabit. This philosophy is apparent in his 
celebrated design of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American 
Indian in Washington, DC.
   Mr. Jones has received multiple honors and awards for his work 
including the American Institute of Architects Seattle Medal, the 
Executive Excellence Award from the American Indian Science and 
Engineering Society, and the Distinguished Service Award from the 
University of Oregon, his alma mater.
   Most recently, President Barack Obama honored Johnpaul Jones with a 
National Humanities Medal. The National Humanities Medal, introduced in 
1997, honors individuals and groups whose work has enhanced our 
nation's understanding of the humanities and expanded our citizens' 
involvement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other 
humanities subjects. Johnpaul Jones, the first architect to be honored 
with this award, was one of ten who received the 2013 National 
Humanities Medal for his work in broadening our nation's cultural 
understanding and awareness through his architecture.
   Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by again applauding Johnpaul 
Jones for his environmentally conscious and culturally reverent 
architecture and for his commitment to our community. From our nation's 
capital to the beautiful city of Bainbridge Island, Johnpaul's work 
preserves our nation's stories for generations to come. I am honored to 
recognize Johnpaul Jones today in the United States Congress.

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