Saginaw Chippewa members part of historical procession in D.C.

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

Although a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal delegation was impressed with the thousands of Indians who showed up for the procession commemorating the opening of a new museum, there was mixed reaction to the Smithsonian Institution facility.

Chief Audrey Falcon said she thought the National Museum of the American Indian was a "really cool facility."

"It was really neat to see all the Tribes there to celebrate the opening," she explained. "I felt a lot of unity and togetherness, even though there were thousands of people. I'm glad that we had such a large group representing our Tribe."

District 1 Tribal Council Representative Charmaine Benz said she thought the museum fell short of telling the comprehensive history of the American Indian

"It's a beautiful building," she said of the five-story, 250,000-square-foot facility that cost $214 million. "But it really didn't tell a story. It was just a lot of exhibits and it lacked continuity. The procession was the best part of the trip. It made you feel really, really proud."

Museum officials estimated the Sept. 21 crowd at 30,000 to 40,000 people. The museum, located on the National Mall, houses 8,000 objects from across the Western Hemisphere. Four million visitors a year are expected to visit the facility.

Opinions varied, but all agreed that the future of Indian Country is through strength in numbers so their impact is continually felt on Captiol Hill.

Other Tribal Council representatives concurred that unity is key for the 562 federally-recognized Tribes to be a reckoning force on Capitol Hill.

"The politicians need to take Indian Country as a serious political entity," explained District 1 Tribal Council Representative Mike Floyd. "It's important for our future that all Indians pick a side and get involved in politics."

District 2 Tribal Council Representative LeEtta Hansen said she was "overwhelmed" by the sheer number of people attending the procession.

"Even though they were from different Tribes, everyone was really friendly," she explained. "It was a really great thing everyone was doing for their respective Tribe. I think most Indians have the same ideals and personality traits."

Elder Dolly Rueckert also said she couldn't believe the turnout at the National Mall.

"My gosh, it was such a fantastic turnout," she stated. "I didn't think there would be that many people. There were more Indians there than at the Gathering of Nations Powwow in New Mexico."