Personal Reflection on Trip to DC

Anna Hemphill

On September 22 a few of us went to Washington DC to visit the Native American Museum and the National Cathedral. I loved the museum, and we had a great time as we walked through the exhibits and talked about what we were experiencing in learning about Native American culture. I especially liked watching the demonstations (cooking, basket weaving, drum carving) and seeing the dance performance. It's really special that kids are learning the traditional dance of their ancestors and sharing it with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. We sat in a circle around the dance arena - there was singing and drums as the four kids methodically danced together in syncopated rhythm. It was very mesmerizing, and I got lost in the performance as they bounced up and down to the relaxing drone of the singer's voice.

I also really enjoyed the exhibit on the dresses. It's so interesting how everything they use in making the dress has a special meaning and/or purpose. Each dress means many things to the women who made it and who wore it. Like most things in Native American culture, dressmaking is about the process more than the product - they take great care in creating living history through their clothes. I was saddened by the story of the Ghost Dance and the garments that became gaudy because of the exotic appeal to masses of white people during the rodeo days. Tribes were exploited and cheapened as they entertained audiences; ritual transformed into public display. To this day, however, the original Ghost Dance garments are sacred and revered, and I'm glad that we weren't allowed to take pictures of them for the sake of culture.

In addition to the museum, the National Cathedral was a wonderful experience. It's amazing that it can stand as a place of worship for all religions and faiths. It unites all peoples and emphasizes the idea that there is one God for all humanity. Though we did not spend much time there, it was nice to reflect and renew in the midst of a busy day of travelling and learning.

The highlight of the day, however, was undoudtedly picking acorns for acorn bread! I will never forget stooping along the gutter to pick up handfuls of big acorns with Kip and his family! What an experience :)