On Tuesday I had an opportunity to visit the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. When I learned about the trip that was sponsored by Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Equal Opportunity Program, I knew this was a must see because we tend to sometimes forget the contributions and history of the nation’s American Indian.

When I visit museums I normally seek out a theater so I can learn a little bit about the museum prior to looking at exhibits. And NMAI didn’t disappoint.

According to NMAI, the Lelawi Theater provides immersive images, music, and statements celebrate the vitality and diversity of native peoples across the Americans in the short film “Who We Are.” The film made me feel like I was in the forest, river, and on a whale hunt. The film also reminded me that Indians in the Western Hemisphere still live off the land and when hunting nothing is wasted from the animal. The skin is used, and the meat can feed families for a year. We tend to forget that hunting and growing food isn’t antiquated and one of the best means of eating.

As I proceeded through the museum I began to remember some of the history I learned in school and books I’ve read. I also remembered some of the darker times in our history and how President Andrew Jackson was nicknamed “Indian killer.”

According to PBS, Jackson deserves the top spot on the list of worst U.S. presidents because he was a forceful proponent of Indian removal. As I walked through the exhibits that told this story I looked at this shameful part of the history of this country.

One of the difficult exhibits for me was the Trail of Tears. According to NMAI, the Trail of Tears exhibit tells the story of Cherokee removal and perseverance.

“The Soldiers came and took us from our home. They first surrounded our house and they took the mare while we were at work in the fields and they drove us out of doors and did not permit us to take anything with us, not even a second change of clothes,” said Ooloo-Cha, widow of Sweet Water.

Although I was saddened while visiting some exhibits, others showed me a few things I’ve forgotten over the years like the love Indians have for “Mother Earth” and the respect they have shown to her. That’s one thing we haven’t done because we have taken “Mother Earth” for granted and forgotten her healing qualities through plants.

NMAI made me reconnect with “Mother Earth” and realize how much I’ve been one of those who must remember that our natural resources aren’t endless, and we must take care of what we have before it’s gone.

A visit to NMAI is a must for those who want to take a walk and view a forgotten part of our history. It’s also a nice visit for students who want to have an up close and personal view of the history they are being taught.

Pentagram Editor Catrina Francis can be reached at catrina.s.francis2.civ@mail.mil.