[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 18788]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

  (Mr. STUPAK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, today's grand opening of the Smithsonian 
National Museum of the American Indian is an excellent opportunity for 
this Congress and the public to develop a deeper understanding of 
issues that currently affect Native Americans, and also to celebrate 
their rich history and culture.
  I am proud to be here today to commemorate the history of Native 
Americans nationally, and in my district of Northern Michigan, which is 
home to six Native American tribes: The Bay Mills Chippewa Indian 
Community, Hannahville Potawatomi Indian Community, Keweenaw Bay Indian 
Community, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, 
Little Grand Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indiana, and the Sault Ste. 
Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
  The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian is a great 
way of preserving their vibrant history and culture to our Nation. This 
beautiful long-awaited museum, located on the National Mall, will honor 
the culture of Native Americans who have contributed so much to this 
Nation and the world.
  The museum, which is set against a backdrop of the United States 
Capitol building, symbolizes a deeper understanding and reconciliation 
between America's first citizens and those who have come to make these 
shores their home. This museum represents a spirit of the Native 
American tribes across this great Nation. I join them in celebrating 
the museum's grand opening.
  Mr. Speaker, let us all work together to educate ourselves as to the 
issues affecting Native Americans in this Nation.

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