New Indian museum interweaves spirituality, history, culture

Published: 2004-09-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The portrayal of the native peoples of the Western Hemisphere in the Smithsonian's new National Museum of the American Indian extends practically from pole to pole, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Threaded throughout the exhibits on the culture, history and contemporary lives of Indians is a glimpse of the role of spirituality and religion, from cosmology and respect for the earth to a discussion of the good and bad effects of Christian missionary activities. A 13-minute introductory film at the recommended starting point of a tour sets the tone of the importance to native peoples of being in harmony with the earth and with one another. A prayer said in the video asks the Creator to "bring our minds together" to acknowledge the interconnections of all life. The museum was to open Sept. 21 with a week of events, expected to bring tens of thousands of Indians to Washington from across two continents.

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