The National Museum of the American Indian is celebrating its first anniversary today.

The museum opened to the public on September 21, 2005. Since then, nearly 2.5 million people have passed through its doors on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

"As visitors come to the National Museum of the American Indian each day, I am happy that more and more people are learning about the diversity and vitality of Native cultures today," said Rick West, the director of NMAI.

The museum is observing its anniversary with a series of special programs and will stay open until 9pm, along with the two retail stores. The Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe will stay open until 8:30pm and will be previewing its fall menu.

Here is the schedule of events.

11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. First Level, Rasmuson Theater
�Welcome Home� - Anniversary Film
(2005, 13 min.) U.S.
Produced by the National Museum of the American Indian, �Welcome Home� captures the spirit and energy of the historic Native Nations Procession and other celebratory events when thousands of Native people and non-Native supporters gathered to celebrate the Opening of the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall the week of Sept. 21, 2004.

12:30 � 1:30 p.m. Potomac Atrium
NMAI Anniversary Gathering featuring the White Oak Singers
The White Oak Singers perform Northern Plains-style singing and drumming of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota.

Fall Blessing by Mama Michi from Ecuador

Remarks by founding director, W. Richard West, Jr. (Southern Cheyenne)

Official NMAI birthday cake will be served

6 � 9 p.m. Potomac Atrium
NMAI Anniversary Concert featuring Corn-Bred
Celebrate the NMAI on the National Mall�s first anniversary with the live music of Corn-Bred, an all-Native blues and soul band from the Onondaga and Mohawk Nations. For this evening program, enter the museum at the south entrance on Maryland Avenue near 4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW.

Relevant Links:
National Museum of the American Indian - http://www.nmai.si.edu

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