"in native stories, the moon helps create the universe, native peoples, and life on earth. the cycles of the moon also provide a guide to the ways of the universe and a method of charting the passage of time." this quote was placed in the our universes: traditional knowledge shapes our world exhibit at the national museum of the american indian, but i really liked this quote too, it kind of intrigued me too.
the national museum of american indian (NMAI) sits on the national mall between smithsonian’s national air and space museum and the u.s. capitol building. a few months ago my english class went there for a field trip, and although it had nothing to do with our curriculum, i'm really glad we went.
the NMAI is filled with rich history and culture from the beginning of time. i learned so many different things that i wouldn't have learned otherwise.
for example, did you know there was a native tribe that spread across the chesapeake bay region, which is now delaware, maryland, virginia, and d.c.? this tribe, or the algonquian peoples, was here as early as the 1600's.
or did you know that the inka road stretched about 20,000 miles long through mountains, rivers, you name it! the road still is still used as a way to connect communities as a cultural continuity throughout peru, bolivia, chile, colombia, argentina, and ecuador.
my class finished the day at the mitsitam native food cafe. i had a bison burger and was nervous at first about the taste, but honestly it was so so so good.
the national museum of american indian was a good experience, it opened my mind up to the other cultures in america, and other cultures that helped form america.
if you're ever in d.c., i would highly recommend you go and visit!
xoxo,
l.k
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