FESTIVAL INFORMATION | SCHEDULE | PERFORMERS | PRESS | ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Americas have always been diverse. From the tropical depths of the Amazon Basin to the frozen edge of Alaska, Native peoples adapted to their environments to create dynamic cultures that reflect their distinctive worldviews. When the first Europeans arrived, there were 75 million people in the Western Hemisphere, according to current estimates. Diversity gave rise to conflict at times, but, more often, it encouraged the exchange of goods and ideas and created complex societies that are frequently overlooked or underestimated. Today, there are approximately 4.1 million Native people in the U.S., comprising 562 federally recognized tribes and numerous state-recognized and unrecognized tribes. The indigenous population of Canada also is recovering, numbering about one million. And in Latin America, perhaps as many as 50 million indigenous people remain.

It has often been said that America’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. The National Museum of the American Indian echoes this belief. We and our partners from across the Smithsonian Institution welcome visitors from throughout the country and around the world who are here to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama. In keeping with the welcoming spirit of our Native ancestors and to rejoice in the diversity that has always graced these lands, we invite you to join us in a three-day festival of music, dance, and story featuring a variety of cultural traditions, including Native American, African and African American, Asian and Asian Pacific American, Central and South American, and European American.

Kevin Gover (Pawnee/Comanche)
Director, National Museum of the American Indian

Welcome to “Out of Many: A Multicultural Festival of Music, Dance, and Story.” This is a program the Smithsonian is uniquely able to offer, and we are proud to do so. There is so much to experience and enjoy in this exciting three-day festival celebrating the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. I think the whole family will be delighted and inspired.

As only it can, the Smithsonian is determined to tell the story of all Americans to every American. We do that in a variety of ways, through our vast and varied collections, our many museums and research centers, education and outreach programs, and traveling exhibitions and affiliate museums all across the country. We are committed to presenting the many contributions of our nation from its many cultures. Walt Whitman once called ours a “nation of nations,” and he was right. The first nations here were comprised of its Native peoples. We celebrate the vitality of our Native cultures in the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)—and our other museums and programs. There is great strength and significance when we band together to document the diversity of our nation. That is exactly what we are doing here.

For this festival, NMAI has partnered with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Latino Center, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, and the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Together, we offer you: traditional music and dance from Cambodia, African dancers from Senegal, Cherokee storytellers, a mariachi ensemble, Native Hawaiian music and dance, traditional Irish music accompanied by championship Irish step dancers, Jewish traditional/jazz/fusion music, a Navajo blues and rock band, a hearing-impaired dance troupe, a Tlingit group from Juneau, Alaska, and so much more. You would be hard-pressed to find such quality and diversity anywhere else. It is part of our commitment to present all the contributions of our many cultures that collectively make us one strong, vibrant nation. Enjoy the music, dance, and stories, and please come back and visit us again soon.

G. Wayne Clough
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution

Getting Here & Security

National Museum of the American Indian
4th Street and Independence Avenue
Washington DC 20024
202-633-1000

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
closed December 25
Admission: free

Nearest Metro Stations:
L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Green/Yellow lines)
Federal Center SW (Blue/Orange lines)

Useful Links:
Official Tourism Information for Washington, DC
Armed Forces Inaugural Committee
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
DC Presidential Inaugural Committee
Washington Metrorail Inaugural Page
U.S. Secret Service Inaugural Page

Festival partners include: The National Museum of the American Indian The National Museum of African American History and Culture The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program The Smithsonian Latino Center The National Museum of the American Indian is grateful for the generous support of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Graphic designed by Ryan Red Corn of www.redhandmedia.com