GALLERY: THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN charts the unveiling and dedication of the first Smithsonian museum dedicated exclusively to American Indians. The grand unveiling of the National Museum of the American Indian coincided with the six-day, outdoor First American Festival and the Native Nations Festival. The colorful opening day began with a Native Nations Procession, the largest gathering of Native peoples in modern history. More than 25,000 American Indians, representing more than 500 tribes and Native communities - from as far north as Alaska to as far south as Chile - participated in this historic event. During the program, the museum's architects discuss the conception and design of the striking building, and landscaping, which was created to resemble a land form shaped by rain, water and nature. Throughout the documentary, American Indians share their thoughts on the importance of the museum, their heritage and passing along traditions to the next generation.
