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butions of many. In our diverse country, we must learn to present history with complexity, fearlessness and integrity. We seek to lead by example. Our objective
is to change how and what Americans learn about Native American history and culture. If we do it well, we will change what Americans know, not only about American Indians but also about many diverse peoples throughout the world. We are fortunate to have allies in this endeavor and especially fortunate to have colleagues throughout the Smithsonian Insti- tution who support our efforts. Changing what Americans learn is not
the work of a single year, or five years, or 10. Rather, it is the work of generations of schol- ars and advocates. The objectives we set in this strategic plan are intended to build toward a time when visitors to our museums find sto- ries about themselves and come away with a better understanding of how our country has evolved. Our job is to give voice to the per- spectives of Native Nations on these matters and, in so doing, to help all who encounter our work to understand that the Native American story is their story, too; see how Native Ameri- can contributions helped make the world we know today; and experience more deeply their human connection to the first peoples of the Americas and their descendants. X
Kevin Gover (Pawnee) is director of the National Museum of the American Indian.
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Native people were the original innovators of the Americas. Students will discover examples of ingenuity from the Arctic to the Andes when the new imagiNATIONS Activity Center opens in 2018. Activities such as building a suspension bridge, planting an agricultural field and doing Maya math will teach both STEM skills and cultural knowledge.
NMAI-New York collections manager John George, right, and Alexia Nazarian of the Empire State Development Corporation examine a handmade kayak (qayak) built in Kwigillingok, Alaska, by the Qayanek Qayaq Preservation Center. It will be displayed in the new education space as shown in the illustration above.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 11
PHOTO BY JASON DECROW/AP IMAGES
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