[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 18685]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         OPENING OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I want to bring due attention to the 
Smithsonian Institution's newest museum on the National Mall in 
Washington. The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates its 
grand opening tomorrow.
  This new museum is a wonderful place, and its collection has been a 
long time coming. It is a beautiful and suitable home for honoring 
centuries of American Indian history and their contributions to our 
Nation today. Never before has such an American Indian exhibit been 
done on this scale.
  Congress passed the Smithsonian National Museum of the American 
Indian charter in 1989, but for such a grand endeavor, much planning, 
coordination, and attention to detail is most appropriate.
  All who have collaborated on this project have done so in an effort 
to promote and celebrate a deeper understanding of the diversity of the 
American Indian people and to celebrate their rich culture and storied 
history. The exhibits will include ancient artifacts and will 
eloquently display the talented work of modern Indian artists in a 
skillfully assembled setting.
  There are numerous tribes in my home State of New Mexico. Those of us 
who reside in the Southwest are familiar with the tribes and their 
people, but many are not. While each share many common traditions and 
customs, it is important to note that each is a distinct entity of 
individuals who maintain unique identities.
  Indian lands in New Mexico are full of fascinating cultures, 
extraordinary landscapes, captivating ruins, and a broad array of 
handmade arts and crafts by the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache people who 
are rightfully proud of their legacies and strong traditions.
  Several New Mexicans have been working closely in the project's 
planning and design. I would like to especially note Santa Fe weaver 
Ramona Sakiestewa, Donna House of Acalde, and Duane Blue Spruce of 
Laguna and San Juan pueblos.
  Ramona Sakiestewa has been involved with the project development 
since 1994, collaborating with a team of architects and designers as 
the lead interior designer for museum. Donna House coordinated much of 
the landscape, and Duane Blue Spruce served as facilities manager for 
the entire endeavor. There are others from my home State who had a hand 
in the museum, but these three deserve special recognition. And as the 
years go on, New Mexico tribes and pueblos will add to the ongoing 
exhibits and programs to be offered at the National Museum of the 
American Indian.
  Museum officials spent years consulting with representatives of 
Indian tribes from throughout the Western hemisphere. Because of their 
vision and creativity, the museum will forever tell the story of 
American Indians--their trials, tribulations, triumphs and successes. I 
laud their countless hours of work and tireless efforts.
  I look forward to sharing the pride of the American Indian people as 
they begin their opening ceremonies with a procession of the Nation's 
native peoples. I hope all will take time to visit the museum, walk its 
corridors, and view the priceless treasures that reveal stories filled 
with the rich history of this diverse group. The museum is a 
culmination of years of planning and dedication. To those who have 
worked so hard to make it possible, I give my highest praise for a 
``job well done.''

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