Media only: Eileen Maxwell (202) 633-6615; [email protected] Oct. 17, 2016 Joshua Voda (212) 514-3823; [email protected] Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to Consult with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on the Building of a National Native American Veterans Memorial WHAT: Consultation to gather input on the National Native American Veterans Memorial to be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (Open to the Public) WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. WHERE: American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post 143, 1526 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 28719 WHO: Kevin Gover (Pawnee), Director of the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution; Hon. Patrick Lambert, Principle Chief, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Hon. Richard Sneed, Vice Chief, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Native American veterans and other Native leaders and community members Since as early as the Revolutionary War, Native Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in larger numbers per capita than any other ethnic group. The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian has been authorized by Congress to construct a National Native American Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a tribute to their proud service. The Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) and Chickasaw Nation Lieutenant Governor Jefferson Keel are leading an advisory committee for the project. The group is composed of Native veterans and leaders representing the diversity of Indian Country and all branches of the military. Through this committee, the museum will consult with other Native veterans and leaders throughout the country to gather their input on the project and seek support for the memorial. NMAI is honored to partner with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for this consultation. To sign up via Facebook: http://ow.ly/selZ305gfuF. Members of the media should contact Eileen Maxwell at [email protected] (202) 633-6615 or Joshua Voda at [email protected] (212) 514-3823. For more information about the memorial, visit http://s.si.edu/2dvlzXi. About the National Museum of the American Indian The National Museum of the American Indian is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Native cultures of the Western Hemisphere—past, present and future—through partnership with Native people and others. For additional information about the National Museum of the American Indian, visit AmericanIndian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. # # # SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION MRC 935 PO Box 37012 Washington DC 20013-7012 Telephone 202.633.6985 Fax 202.633.6920 .