Frequently Asked Questions

Procession

1. What is the Native Nations Procession?
   The Native Nations Procession is a highly symbolic walk of indigenous cultural expression that will celebrate the grand opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. The Procession will formally kick-off the six day festival on the National Mall in Washington D.C.


2. Where and when is the Procession scheduled?
   The Procession "staging area" will be located on the National Mall (grassy area) at 14th Street, between Madison and Jefferson Drives. The Procession staging begins at approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2004.


3. What is the Procession route?
   The Procession will follow a route along the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol. Approximately one mile in length, the route will conclude at the site of the NMAI Opening Ceremony. The Procession is timed at half an hour and is scheduled to take place between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.


4. Will the Procession be rescheduled if it rains?
   The Procession will take place rain or shine, so please plan accordingly. In the event of life-threatening weather, the Procession will be delayed or postponed. If postponed, event staging will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the Procession will commence at 5:00 p.m. at the Potomac Stage on the National Mall. If rescheduled, the Procession will take place on Wednesday, September 22. On the 22nd, staging will take place at 8 a.m. and the Procession will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Potomac Stage on the National Mall. Please note that parking at RFK Stadium, as well as property storage on the National Mall, will not be available if the Procession is forced to move to an alternative time.

Registration

5. How do I register?
   Due to heightened security in the Nation's capital and the large number of guests anticipated for the NMAI Opening Ceremony, only registered participants will be allowed in the Procession.


6. Who can register for the Procession?
   All participants must register in one of the following three categories: Native Nation, Organization, or Independent. Native Nations will lead the procession in alphabetical order, followed by Tribal Organizations in alphabetical order, concluding with Independent participants. Independents are non-Native individuals and organizations who would like to show their support for the museum during the grand opening celebration.


7. Can I register my family or organization together on one form?
   No. A separate registration form is required for each participant. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.


8. Is there a fee to register?
   No. Registration is free and may be completed online, by mail or fax, using the Registration Form.


9. Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
   Yes. The NMAI will provide a written confirmation to each participant by mail within 4-5 weeks of receiving the registration form. In August 2004, registrants will receive more detailed information confirming the schedule of events, public transportation options, and maps of the Washington area.


10. If I register for the Procession will I automatically receive tickets to the museum?
    No, you will need to obtain a timed entry pass by contacting the Procession team at (877) 830-3224 or (301) 238-3023 or Procession@nmai.si.edu.


11. Where do I send completed registration forms?
    You may mail registration forms to:
    
    National Museum of the American Indian
    Attn: Procession
    P.O. Box 23473
    Washington, DC 20026-3473
    
    Faxed forms may be sent to: 301-238-3200, Attention: Procession

Protocols

12. Is traditional dress required?
    While we encourage you to wear your traditional clothing, you are welcome to participate in the manner you are most comfortable.


13. How will each Native Nation be assembled for the Procession?
    We are encouraging each Nation to determine for itself how they would like to be represented during the Procession. We understand that some tribal communities will be bringing their honor guards, tribal dignitaries, as well as tribal members. This might also include their tribal banners and/or flags. Please note that the museum is unable to provide flag stands or storage areas so, please plan accordingly.
    The Native Nations Procession is prearranged in alphabetical order with Native Nations first, followed by organizations, and finally independent participants. Independents are those non-affiliated supporters who wish to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Museum as part of the Native Nations Procession.


14. Are animals permitted in the Procession?
    Due to large crowds expected for the Musem's Grand Opening, no animals of any kind will be permitted in the Procession. This precaution is to ensure the safety of all those participating in this historic event. There is an exception for service dogs for seeing-impaired individuals.


15. Are there other restrictions?
    Firearms, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. These restrictions will be strictly enforced by Smithsonian Security, Metro Transit Police, U.S. Park Police and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department.

Local Parking & Transportation

16. How can I get to the Procession Staging area and where can I park my car or R.V. or chartered bus?
    Street parking near the Museum during the Grand Opening week is extremely limited. The following streets near and around the National Mall will be closed for the Native Nations Procession on September 21: Jefferson and Madison Drives from 3rd to 14th Streets, and 3rd, 4th, and 7th Streets between Jefferson and Madison Drives.
    Public transportation, such as Metrorail, bus, or taxi, provides convenient alternatives to parking and is strongly encouraged. As a point of interest, the Smithsonian Station is the closest Metro stop for the Procession staging area. Additional Metro stops include Federal Triangle and L'Enfant Plaza Stations.
    For those arriving by public transportation we recommend that you arrive nearest our staging area which is located on 14th Street end of the National Mall (the area closest to the Washington Monument). Because of the weekday rush-hour traffic, we recommend that you reserve enough time to arrive and geographically orient yourself at the staging area.
    
    Off-Site Parking & Shuttle Service
    Free, off-site satellite parking is available at RFK Stadium from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on September 21 only. Free shuttle service from RFK Stadium to the Procession staging site on the National Mall is also available for participants from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on September 21 only. RFK Stadium is located directly adjacent to the D.C. Armory at 2001 East Capitol Street, S.E.
    
    Charter Buses
    Charter buses are encouraged to drop-off and pick-up Procession participants at one of three designated locations on September 21 only:
    
    1) RFK Stadium
    Charter buses can drop-off and pick-up Procession participants and can also park for a $30.00 fee at RFK Stadium. Participants can then take the free shuttle service to the National Mall. RFK Stadium is located directly adjacent to the D.C. Armory at 2001 East Capitol Street, S.E.
    
    2) Madison Drive
    Due to street closings, charter bus access to the National Mall is granted on a limited basis by permit only. Charter buses may drop-off participants directly on the National Mall at the National Museum of American History, where parking permits are only valid until 9:00 a.m. Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2 p.m., no vehicles are allowed on the National Mall. To apply for a charter bus permit contact Jason Dooley at (202) 275-7224.
    
    3) Constitution Avenue
    Charter buses bringing participants directly to the Procession staging area can drop-off and pick-up on Constitution Avenue in front of the National Museum of American History. Please note that except for passenger loading and unloading, charter buses may not stand or park in this area for extended periods of time. The walk to the Procession staging area from this point is approximately one block with a slight incline.


17. What is the closest Metro rail station?
    The Smithsonian Station is the closest Metro stop to the Procession staging area on the National Mall. Additional Metro stops include Federal Triangle and L'Enfant Plaza Stations.
    Please note: Metro-operated parking lots accept payments only via SmarTrip cards, not cash. In addition to paying for parking, SmarTrip is the secure and convenient way to pay fares on Metrorail and all Metrobuses. SmarTrip cards can be bought online, from dispensing machines at stations with daily parking or at Metro sales offices and retail outlets. Visit the Metro website at www.wmata.com and see the SmarTrip page for details.

Accommodations, Tourism & Travel

18. Where can I stay and what else can I do during my visit to Washington D.C.?
    September is a peak convention and tourism month; therefore we are encouraging out-of-town guests to secure accommodations as soon as possible. For local travel, tourism and accommodations we recommend that you contact the Washington D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation at 1-800-422-8644 ext. 2004 or 202-789-7000 or www.Washington.org.


19. Will I be able to view the Museum's collection during my visit?
    Yes, NMAI will host an Open House at the Cultural Resources Center located in Suitland, Maryland. The CRC is a state-of-the art conservation and research facility housing the Museum's collection. There will be a shuttle service provided from the museum to the CRC during the grand opening week, with the exception of September 21st. For more information please contact Geoffrey Cavanagh at 301-238-6624 ext. 6215.


20. Which airport should I fly into?
    There are three airports that serve the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area include:


1. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) www.mwaa.com
   DCA closest airport to District of Columbia
   Travelers Aid Phone Number: 703-417-3974


2. Dulles International Airport (IAD) www.mwaa.com
   IAD located in Northern Virginia, approx. 35-45 min. from D.C.
   Travelers Aid Phone Number: 703-572-8296


3. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) www.bwiairport.com
   BWI is approx. 40-50 min. from D.C. via shuttle/cab or rail
   Airport Information: 800-435-9294
   


21. What about travel by rail?
    Amtrak is a convenient form of travel to the Washington D.C. area, including southern Maryland and Northern Virginia. You may contact them directly at www.amtrak.com or 800-USA-RAIL.

Accessibility for Persons with Limited Mobility

22. What is the terrain of the Procession route?
    The Procession route is made up of uneven terrain such as grass, street pavement, and fine gravel.


23. What can you tell me about getting around in D.C. for those with limited mobility?
    Washington D.C. is one of the most accessible cities in the nation for persons with disabilities. When booking your hotel, local travel arrangements, and other tourism needs please be sure to communicate any special needs that you may have. For more detailed information or to order a copy of the 2004 Washington, D.C. Access Guide please contact the DisabilityGuide.org at 301-528-8664 or visit them at www.disabilityguide.org. By mail they can be reached at Access Information, Inc., dba DisabilityGuide.org, 21618 Slidell Rd, Boyds, MD 20841.


24. Will there be wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or other medical devices available on-site?
    Due to the large numbers of people with limited mobility we can not guarantee any specific provisions for the Procession. As an alternative, we will have tour mobiles on-site and available to escort Procession participants before and during the Procession route to the Opening Ceremony site as the need arises. If you would like to rent any medical equipment during your stay please contact the Disability Guide.org at 301-528-8664 or visit them at www.disabilityguide.org. By mail they can be reached at Access Information, Inc., dba DisabilityGuide.org, 21618 Slidell Rd, Boyds, MD 20841.

Additional Information

25. Will there be a place to change from street clothes to Procession regalia?
    Yes, we will provide indoor changing facilities at the D.C. Armory and outdoor changing and storage tents at the Procession staging area.
    The D.C. Armory, located at 2001 East Capitol Street, S.E., adjacent to RFK Stadium, can be used to off-site, indoor changing. After changing, Procession participants can board free shuttle buses to the staging area on the National Mall. Please note that this location will not offer property storage, and participants are encouraged to return personal items to their vehicles for safekeeping.
    A property storage tent and gender-based changing tents will be located at the Procession staging area on the National Mall on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the limited amount of storage, participants are strongly encouraged to arrive dressed accordingly and ready for the Procession. In addition, participants cannot check personal items such as cash, credit cards, identification, or other valuables. . The NMAI, event sponsors, and collaborative partners are not responsible for items lost or stolen from property storage areas.


26. Does the museum provide any grants or scholarship funds to help off-set my travel costs?
    No, unfortunately NMAI does not have the financial resources to provide funding to cover or off-set travel costs.


27. Will there be a powwow?
    No, however the National Congress of the American Indians (NCAI), in collaboration with the American Indian Society of Washington, D.C. (AIS), will host a Social Dance on September 21, 2004. The Social Dance will take place at the "Gathering Place" on the National Mall at approximately 1 p.m. as part of the First Americans Festival. This cultural exchange will include the sharing of tribal dances, songs, and other traditions by Native Peoples.

Contact Us

28. Whom may I contact if I have further questions regarding the Native Nations Procession?
    You may contact us toll free at 877-830-3224 or 301-238-3023 or inquire via email at: Procession@nmai.si.edu.
    You may also learn more about the NMAI Grand Opening by contacting the Visitor Information Associate Reception's Center (VIARC) at 202-633-1000.