Celebrating Obama's inauguration

Mixing business with pleasure

Indians attended inauguration festivities with distinct goalsAt the American Indian Ball, women wore expensive gowns, mixed with touches of turquoise or intricate beadwork.

Many Native gentlemen showed up in tuxedos, while some wore traditional headgear, and others wore bolo ties with pricey suits.

On Jan. 19, much celebrating was done, too, at the Inaugural Pow Wow. Like the ball, it was hosted by the American Indian Society of Washington, D.C. It turned out to be a packed, standing room only event, held the day before the ball and in the same hotel.

Echohawk “Pete” Neconie, a Kiowa/Pawnee planner with AIS, led preparation of the pow wow, where hundreds of tribal members performed and watched traditional dances and spiritual remembrances.LaDonna Harris honored for lifetime political achievement

Native activist shares view of Obama’s Native focusThe inauguration of President Barack Obama was not simply a time to recognize a history-making milestone of an African-American politician, but also to honor the many achievements of American Indians on the political stage. One Native politico in particular, LaDonna Harris, received special recognition during Indian inaugural festivities.

At a Jan. 19 gourd dance ceremony, hosted by the American Indian Society of Washington D.C., several friends and relatives of Harris gathered to pay homage to a person that many attendees called “a living legend.”Witnessing history

President Obama’s swearing-in captures hearts and minds of Indian countryA private gathering of Native leaders and their guests experienced an unobstructed view of the ceremony from the museum’s terrace, prompting many to note with pride and amusement that “the Indians had the best seats in the house.”

Mark Van Norman, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and NIGA executive director, said Native America has been “looking for change for a long time.”

Van Norman also praised NMAI director Kevin Gover for providing food and warmth to the public on the frigid January day. He said Gover showed “a level of hospitality that’s in keeping with the historic hospitality of Indian country.”

“I felt so fortunate to be working at the museum during this particular time and to be able to be in the position to offer tribal leaders and members the chance to watch this historic event in comfort and with dignity,” Gover, Pawnee/Comanche, reflected after the celebrations wound down.Comment:  For pictures of and quotes about the inauguration, see Natives Participate in Inauguration Festivities. Included is a quote from my pal Victor, who was on the NMAI terrace watching the event.

While he was partying and having fun, I was stuck in LA maintaining PECHANGA.net five days in a row. But at least he got me a t-shirt.

For more on the subject, see 11th Indian Inaugural Ball and Indians in Obama's Inaugural.