Brazilian Indians in Washington for Indian Museum Opening

The United States Ambassador to Brazil, John Danilovich, received leaders of the Sujá, Kaapor, and Tapirápé Indian tribes from the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Maranhão. They will represent Brazil at the inauguration of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in Washington, in the United States.

The Brazilian Indians’ participation in today’s ceremony will include an exhibit of handcrafts and a presentation of typical tribal music and dance. This is the third visit to Washington by leaders of these tribes.

Danilovich emphasized the importance of Brazilian participation in this trip to Washington.

“It’s wonderful, especially because the museum is dedicated to all Indians. It is a museum not just for American Indians but for all the Indians in the universe.”

Ethnomusicologist Luiz Junai presented the Ambassador with a neckpiece (Kaã), which in the language of the Tapirapés, signifies the existence of a powerful environment in Brazil.

A half million people are expected to attend the inauguration of the NMAI. According to chief Ararawytygi Paulo Tapirapé, of the Tapirapé tribe, there are high expectations that the American President, George W. Bush, will participate in the ceremony.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Christiane Peres
Translator: David Silberstein