Soon, through a new Smithsonian Museum, we and our children
can learn what Native Americans have to teach us about such
things as the delecate balance between people and nature . . .
and about their ethic of sharing . . . and about their deep
spirituality and magnificant art.
Its goal is to change forever the way people view Native
peoples of this hemisphere. To correct misconceptions. To end
prejudice. To stop injustice. And to demonstrate how Indian
culture has enriched the world.
We invite you to join in this historic moment.
Robert McC. Adams
Secretary
Smithsonian Institution
W. Richard West, Jr.
Founding Director
National Museum of the American Indian
Smithsonian Institution
Cover Photo: Chief American Horse and his wife / Oglala Sioux
In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed into law an Act to create the National
Museum of the American Indian -- the 15th museum of the Smithsonian In-
stitution and the first national museum dedicated to the Native peoples
of this hemisphere.
Scheduled to open at the Old U.S. Custom House in New York City in 1993 and
on the Mall in Washington, D.C. by 1999, the new Museum's goal is to give
all Americans an opportunity to understand and appreciate Native American
culture -- past, present, and future.
To launch this Museum, the Smithsonian Institution has acquired what has
been called "the finest collection of American Indian artifacts in the world."
The magnificent Heye Collection contains more than one million items gleaned
from the Arctic Circle to the tip of Tierra del Fuego.
But the National Museum of the American Indian will also be a *living* museum.
A place where contemporary issues receive as much attention as past battles.
Where today's art is exhibited alongside yesterday's artifacts. Where the
education of young Indian students is as important as the state-of-the-art
research and conservation that are Smithsonian traditions.
That's why Native Americans, including Founding Director, W. Richard West,
Jr. -- a member of the Cheyenne-Arapaho tribe -- will play a central role in
developing this Museum. At last, we will see American Indians as they see
themselves. Without paternalism, condescension, or racism.
As a Charter Member of the National Museum of the American Indian - for only
$20 - you will receive a one-year subscription to _Native_Peoples_, plus many
other benefits.
To join, use the attached form or write:
National Museum of the American Indian
National Campaign Office
PO Box 768
Arlington, VA 22216
[ Charter Membership benefits include a one year's subscription to the
magazine, free admission to the portion of the Heye Collection exhibit
which is now on display at the Museum of the American Indian in New
York, a 10% discount on merchandise on all purchases made from Smith-
sonian Museum Shops, and from the Smithsonian Mail Order Catalogue,
eligibility to join Smithsonian study tours, advance notice of the
Museum's outreach programs in your local area, and _Smithsonian_Runner_
newsletter (for donations of $35 or more). --Gary ]
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Gary S. Trujillo gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us
Somerville, Massachusetts {wjh12,bu.edu,spdcc,ima,cdp}!gnosys!gst