For me, the week of September 19^th is “beyond words.”  I had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C., to assist the JDalton Institute with training.  However, the most significant part of this trip was the chance to participate and walk in the Procession of Nations for the dedication of the Indian Museum of the Smithsonian Institute, on September 21^st.

In total, there were an estimated 20,000 Native individuals that walked in the Procession of Nations, from North and South America, Hawaii, Alaska, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, and many other places.  There was also an estimated 200,000 individuals that observed the dedication and ceremonies on the “Mall” that day.

I had a chance to see the Totem pole that was carved by a man, who lost his wife in the 9/11 attacks.  He donated two Totems in honor of his wife and others that lost their lives.  While the ceremony was held at the Pentagon, in front of the area which was hit by the plane on 9/11, the Totem will be moved to a permanent location.

I was able to tour the Indian Museum and was totally overcome with emotions on the beauty of the structure, but, more importantly I remembered the millions of Native people who lost their lives over the centuries. 

There was an estimated10 million Native people who lived in North and South America at the time of the first European contact.  However, through tragedies experienced over the centuries, this number was reduced to approximately 200,000 in 19^th century.

Along with myself, being a member from Red Cliff, I am aware that Betsy Albert Smith and her husband Tom Peacock were in attendance and participated.  Betsy is enrolled in Red Cliff and Tom, is from Fond Du Lac but his grandmother was from Red Cliff.

As the Procession of Nations ended, there were many song and dance presentation, Native art demonstrations, and performers from all over the world. I looked around the crowd while watching a dance group from Barrow Alaska.   I noticed this lady who looked familiar and I realized it was Sandra Day O’Connor.  Ms. Day O’Connor is on the United States Supreme Court and has been sympathetic to Indian/Native American causes. 

I introduced myself to her and told her that I thought she was either Barbara Bush or Sandra Day O’Connor and since she didn’t have on big pearls (like Mrs. Bush wears) it had to be her.  She enjoyed and laughed at my comparison.

While I said this week was beyond words, I have mentioned a few of the highlights of this journey.  But, what are still beyond words are the emotions, reactions, and feelings of unity that was felt during this time.  For me, witnessing the Millennium was another time that is beyond any words of description.  I feel so honored and humbled that I could experience another rare occasion, when all elements were in balance.