DIRECTOR’S LETTER CULTIVATING RESPECT


The Smithsonian’s “Finding Common Ground” symposium in February 2018 discussed the complex, intertwined history of Black and Native Americans—an essential part of our American identity. Left to right: Michel Martin, Kevin Gover (Pawnee), Tiya Miles, Paul Chaat Smith (Comanche) and Secretary Lonnie Bunch.


O


ne of the important functions of the National Museum of the American Indian is to serve as a forum, a platform where people from many cul-


tures can share knowledge and explore ideas through dynamic dialogue. Such experienc- es often spark further conversations that can inspire people to learn about, under- stand and, ideally, appreciate someone else’s journey and perspective. At the NMAI, such conversations are taking


place at an unprecedented pace. As we reflect upon our in-person and virtual connections with people across the globe this past year, the through line of these communications has been our museum’s distinct role in fostering mutual understanding and equity across cultures. This issue of American Indian magazine looks at the intersections of cultures, past


6 AMERICAN INDIAN WINTER 2020


and present, positive and negative, and tells stories of resilience and restoration. First, during the course of the past two decades, NMAI and Smithsonian’s Nation- al Museum of Natural History have taken extraordinary measures to return dozens of objects to Tlingit clans, fulfilling a core part of NMAI’s mission (page 8). We also feature stunning posters from Black-Indig- enous artists who are illuminating their unity and shared history with the Black community (page 18). We then turn the reel of American his-


tory back to reveal what actually happened leading up to the arrival of the Mayflower 400 years ago and during the forced cohab- itation of two extremely different groups of people (page 24). Fast-forward to today, we show how Native chefs are continuing to sustain communities with food and hope,


even during another type of invasion—the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Coast Salish weavers who


once used a now-extinct dog for its wool are reviving their nearly lost art. And, the NMAI Online calendar highlights live virtual programs celebrating culture through story- telling as well as many recorded programs on our website (americanindian.si.edu) for viewing at your convenience (page 40). By sharing these stories of the way Native


peoples have been deeply intertwined with other cultures yet have maintained their own identities, we hope to foster respect that can grow from insight. I invite you to keep con- necting with us via our online programs and share your stories and comments on our so- cial media channels. X


—Kevin Gover (Pawnee), director of the National Museum of the American Indian


PHOTO BY LEAH L. JONES


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