Established in 1989, through an Act of Congress, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian opened its doors to the public on September 21, 2004. As part of the grand opening, a spectacular six-day First Americans Festival was held on the National Mall. The flags, feathers, and bright native clothing made for a multicolored display, and the air was filled with the smell of burned sage and the sounds of drums, bells and music.
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 Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Democrat, of Honolulu, HI. For his extraordinary heroism during his military service, Daniel Inouye was awarded the Medal of Honor by the President of the United States on June 21, 2000. 
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 Thousands of people gathered to see the opening of the first international institution of living cultures dedicated to the shared native heritage of North, Central and South America. 
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 The celebration honoring the Smithsonian The celebration of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) began with horns blowing from the balcony of the Smithsonian Castle, the oldest of the Smithsonian buildings. 
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Buffalo skins and eagle and feathers display a dramatic contrast with the suits and formal attire of the the District's bureaucratic tribe. 
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 Native Nations Procession 
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 Native Nations Procession 
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 Native Nations Procession 
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 Native Nations Procession 
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 Native Nations Procession 
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 Native Nations Procession 
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 Native Nations Procession 
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 Native Nations Procession 
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 Young boy in feathered headdress marches in the Native Nations Procession 
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