Native American Culture Observation Report

When I was a sophomore in high school, I was fortunate enough to visit the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. as well as the Cultural Resources Center. As a cohort in the George Washington University INSPIRE Pre-College Program, I was granted access to NMAI and given a tour of the Cultural Resources Center. As I looked at the exhibits, I noticed how beautifully the artifacts and information was displayed. In addition, I was in awe at the Cultural Resource Center as I walked through the vast shelves of cultural articles and learned about the different types of tools and techniques to preserve artifacts. Through both visits, I realized that I wanted to work in Native American Museums and preserve as well as educate others about Native American culture. When I returned home to Phoenix, Arizona I was on a quest to visit as many Native American museums as I could. I

As a Dine (Navajo) woman I understand the value of preserving traditional culture. I am aware that Native American people’s culture has been threatened ever since 1492 and it is vital to preserve our people’s culture. As a student, I also recognize the importance in educating the masses about Native American Culture. Native Americans have played an integral role in the United States of America and their history and culture should be spread to all. I am interested in professionally working in Native American Museums because they combine both preservation and education of indigenous culture. I like the fact that museums are open to all people and display information in unique and enticing ways. I have chosen the area of “cultural interpreters” for the internship because I am interested in the cultural, historical, and anthropological sides of museum work. While museum design and artifact conservation fascinate me, I feel a pull to concentrate on the cultural aspects of museum