How to Visit the National Museum of the American Indian

• A Day in Washington, DC
• An Open Mind
• Comfortable Shoes

Steps

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Step One

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National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, DC

Know when to visit. The museum is open every day from 10AM to 5:30PM, but is closed Christmas Day. The slowest days are usually Wednesdays, and if you arrive in the morning, it is easier to avoid the crowds.

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Step Two

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Sun prism inside the NMAI, highlighting Native knowledge of the seasonal solstice

Check out the website at www.americanindian.si.edu for any special programs that might be showing when you plan your visit. There may be a special demonstration of Yup'ik games, a demonstration by a Mayan weaver, or Fancy Grassdancers and Jingle Dancers showing their skills.

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Step Four

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"Trust" by Roxanne Swentzall (Santa Clara Pueblo)

Explore the Our Universes exhibit that focuses on the spirituality of Native peoples. The communities represented are: Pueblo of Santa Clara (Espanola, New Mexico, USA), Anishinaabe (Hollow Water and Sagkeeng Bands, Manitoba, Canada), Lakota (Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, USA), Quechua (Communidad de Phaqchanta, Cusco, Peru), Hupa (Hoopa Valley, California, USA), Q'eq'chi' Maya (Cobán, Guatemala), Mapuche (Temuco, Chile), and Yup'ik (Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, USA).

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Step Five

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National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, DC

Explore the Our Peoples exhibit that focuses on the history of Native peoples and their contact with Non-Natives. These tribes share their own histories: The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Tapirapé (Mato Grosso, Brazil), Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma (USA), Tohono O'odham Nation (Arizona, USA), Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation (North Carolina, USA), Nahua (Guerrero, Mexico), Ka'apor (Maranhão, Brazil), and Wixaritaria??sometimes known as Huichola??(Durango, Mexico)

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Step Six

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Comanche Leaders on Opening Day of the National Museum of the American, 2004

Go to the third floor and explore the Our Lives exhibit that focuses on the contemporary lives of Native Peoples. It also addresses issues of race and identity. The Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians (California, USA), the urban Indian community of Chicago (Illinois, USA), Yakama Nation (Washington State, USA), Igloolik (Nunavut, Canada), Kahnawake (Quebec, Canada), Saint-Laurent Metis (Manitoba, Canada), Kalinago (Carib Territory, Dominica), and the Pamunkey Tribe (Virginia, USA) are represented in this exhibit.

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Step Seven

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Tiny Tots at the National Powwow, Washington, DC, 2005

Go to the Resource Center on the third floor if you have any questions about Native people. There is a book collection in the back of the room and a great view of the U.S. Capitol. There is also an Interactive Learning Center with links to various websites and activities for children. You can easily entertain children by reading them a story from the children's collection.

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Step Eight

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Coyote in Love with a Star by Marty Kreipe de Montano (Prairie Band Potawatomi)

If you want a souvenir, go to the second floor where Native-created art, books, and clothing are available. If you have an National Museum of the American Indian membership, you can get 10% off your purchase at the museum and 20% off online.

• Know that the museum was intended to give Native people a voice in how they are represented. This is what they wanted to show you. Not what you expected.
• Eat at the Mitsitam Cafe on the first floor. It's healthy, unique food that you might not get to try at home.
• Respect the museum as a sacred place for Native peoples. Try to avoid yelling, running, or disturbing visitors during your visit.
• Talk to the Native interpreters in the turquoise vests. They are there to answer your questions honestly and accurately.
• Don't wear a Redskins shirt. It's offensive to Native people for many reasons.
• Don't make jokes at the expense of Native peoples.