The new National Museum of the American Indian, to open in Washington, D.C., on September 21, is seeking to be "different" from every other museum and exhibit about Native people.

This one is going to actually pay attention to Native people and not treat them as relics, officials say. From its design to its focus, the museum has sought to find out what Native people want.

The museum's massive storage center outside Washington is an example. Native people can come to the Cultural Resources Center to view artifacts and hold ceremonies with them.

More information on events happening around the museum opening can be found at http://www.ncai.org/main/pages/
national_calendar/NCAI/nmai2004/index.asp.

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Spirit Lodge (The Washington Post 8/2)
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Relevant Links:
National Museum of American Indian - http://www.nmai.si.edu

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