Indian revelers prepare to celebrate Obama's inauguration

Monday, January 14, 2013  

Upwards of 2,000 tribal leaders, tribal members and tribal dignitaries are expected in Washington, D.C., next week for the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The swearing-in ceremony takes place at 11:30am on Monday, January 21. It will be followed by a parade from the U.S. Capitol to the White House.

The celebration continues at numerous balls. For Indian Country, the main draw has been the American Indian Society Inaugural Ball and Powwow.

More than 1,000 people are expected for this year's event, which takes place on Sunday, January 20, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. Special awards will be presented to Billy Mills, A. Gay Kingman, Billy Frank, Jr., and the late Elouise Cobell.

"We selected four individuals who have shown outstanding leadership and dedication to the improvement of the lives of Native Americans," said Pete Homer, the chairman of the AIS Ball. "These two men and two women have dedicated their lives to empowering their people – we want them to know that their people recognize their sacrifices and appreciate all they have done.”

The AIS Ball is preceded by a pow-wow, also at the hotel, on Saturday.

The National Museum of the American Indian is also joining the festivities this year. More than 700 people are expected at the first-ever Native Nations Inaugural Ball on Monday, January 21, an event that will raise funds for educational programs at the facility.

Tribal leaders aren't coming to town just to celebrate either. The National Indian Gaming Association is hosting a policy summit at the Crystal Gateway Marriott on Saturday, January 19, to discuss sovereignty, economic development, taxation and other issues.

The National Congress of American Indians is also hosting a meeting for tribal leaders at Obama administration officials at the NMAI on Tuesday, January 22.