Oneida, NY (WIBX) - The 8th $1-million check was presented to The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of the American Indian today. The gift from the Oneida Indian Nation is an installment, part of a $10-million commitment to the museum in Washington, DC.

Nation CEO, Ray Halbritter says the money will help preserve Native American Culture. "There's a lot that the American people don't really know, or have been taught about the story of the American Indian in relation to their own country so, I think it will benefit everyone to know the complete story," he said.

Kevin Gover, Director of the American Indian Museum in Washington, DC was in town to accept the monetary gift. "The support we've gotten from the Oneida Nation has really allowed us the opportunity to begin the second phase of the museum's life. In the first phase we wanted to emphasize Indian culture and the fact that native people are still here. In this new phase, we're going to really take on history," he said. He says the project will challenge historical narratives about Native American culture.

The donation will also fund changes being made to the "Allies in War, Partners in Peace" statue exhibit at the museum. Gover said, "It's one of the most popular features of the museum already and the visitors are constantly asking, 'well what's this all about, tell us more about this story,' and so, what we're going to do is install some features that gives a lot more information to our visitors." The statue, a 2004 gift from the Oneida's, symbolizes the friendship forged between the Oneida Nation and the U.S. during the Revolutionary War.

Oneida Indian Nation
Oneida Indian Nation
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