By: RJ Smith
Washington DC – In an election that not only made history but left the Republican Party scrambling to not fall headfirst, Barak Obama took the reins of the United States in a time embittered with war, economic depression and a nation angered and displeased with their country. His message of hope left the over three millions that braved the cold and ridiculous lines with a sense of renewal and high expectations for the 44th President of the United States.
The celebrating began 3 days before the Bush Administration were to leave the White House and continued until the following Saturday after President Obama took the Oath of Office. Performances by Mary J Blige, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Tom Hanks and other distinguished performers took place at the Lincoln Memorial in a frenzy that mirrored ancient Roman Triumphs for a newly elected First Family. This frenzy continued and gained moment in Washington DC as well as around the nation and the world as the final hours before his presidency would began to etch away. People began lining the streets as early as 3am the morning before the Inauguration. Senators and Congressmen were given 270,000 tickets to distribute to lucky constituents from their respective states. Francine White and RJ Smith received tickets from Senator Dorgan of North Dakota and were able to be among the over 250,000 silver ticket holders. Tickets were broken into colors and distributed with silver ticket holders having access to the lawn of the nation’s capital and other colors holding seats on the stairs and such.
For the Fort Lewis students of Wanbli Ota; Francine White, Asa Washines and RJ Smith, as well as alumni Seth Damon, the week of celebrations would start from the minute they stepped off their planes into the District of Colombia. Every major player in Native America attended the event and tribes from around the nation hosted receptions and private parties as well as the American Indian Society’s Inaugural Ball which was the highlight of the Inaugural schedule. Obama’s Native Transition staff was seen at all the events as the President seemed to keep his promise to continue a government to government relationship with Native Tribes.
The large presence of Native Americans from across the country made this an excellent opportunity to network for Fort Lewis Students and provided excellent contacts for future events that might come up. The American Indian Society of Washington DC formally gave a three day celebration, with a powwow, luncheon and Ball. The Inaugural Parade did last most of the day after the Oath of Office was taken with the Crow Nation following in a place of honor and prestige behind the Presidential Motorcade. Other Native Celebrities attended such as Three Affiliated Tribes’ Skawid Alberts, Miss Indian Nations, Gary Farmer and many other Native Actors and Artists as well as Native American Tribal Presidents, Governors and Chairman also followed. The fact that so many Native American Dignitaries were allowed such a place of prestige behind the presidential motorcade made this a truly historic event.
Although this was a week of celebration, NCAI and other Native Lobbyist groups met with Obama’s transition team and helped create the guidelines for the new President’s office and watched with high spirits as a part of history was witnessed, experienced and fulfilled. Across Native America, Sovereign Nations look forward to four years and possibly more of having our voices heard.