Story: American Indian Museum Offers Unique Voice, 09/22/04
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec04/indian_9-22.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What museum just opened? Where is it located and why is it significant?

2. What is the mission of the museum and how do young people feel about this?

3. What makes this museum unique?

4. How is the NMAI hoping to avoid traditional perceptions about museums?

5. What is a criticism of the new museum?

6. How does the architecture and landscaping around the building express native culture?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Why might it be important for each native tribe to choose the way its culture is presented? What impact does this have on a museum experience? How might it affect the information presented?

2. Do you agree with some critics of the new NMAI museum that it is too positive and glosses over some painful events of the past? Why or why not? How should we as a nation deal with past atrocities?

3. Research the architecture and landscaping of the museum. How is it different and similar to other museums on the Mall? Explain some of the key differences and what they mean for the creators of the National Museum of the American Indian and indigenous peoples in general.

Write a 500-800 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.