Billed as possibly the largest gathering of Native Americans in history, the Sept. 21 dedication of the Smithsonian's new National Museum of the American Indian drew an estimated 20,000 indigenous people to Washington, D.C.

Inuit and Aleut people from the far North and southern tribes of Mexico, Brazil, Peru and Panama joined a wide variety of native nations from the U.S. for the festivities. The Southwest was well represented with many tribes from Arizona, including a group from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, who walked in the opening procession.

According to event organizers, the dedication was held on Sept. 21 to coincide with the fall equinox, saying that it was "traditionally a time for paying homage to the earth and her many gifts to us." Some Indians could be seen reciting special prayers and chants, burning fragrant copal bundles or smoking sacred pipes to bless the new museum.

The procession began at 9:30 a.m. with Native American groups strolling down the grassy mall that stretches between the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Smiling Indians, many dressed in their finest regalia, showed their native pride as they marched toward the stage where the opening remarks were delivered. Amazing examples of beadwork, feathers and festive colors streamed down the mall for more than an hour.

Large television screens provided the audience, estimated at 80,000, with a view of the speakers. Richard West, a Southern Cheyenne and director of the National Museum of the American Indian, gave the welcoming remarks. Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo shared his pride in the new museum, which includes about 30 percent of its collection from Central and South America.

Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) and Daniel Inouye (Hawaiian), who were instrumental in legislation creating the museum, also spoke.

Following the dedication ceremonies, the museum opened to the public with free admission to those with advance tickets.

For the rest of the day and throughout the entire week, the mall was filled with free Native American performances. Special tents were set up, each with a specific theme.

The Raven Stage was for storytellers, while other tents hosted presentations on instrumental and regalia arts. Several stages featured musical performances. Dance circles were set up outside to accommodate large groups. And, of course, there was an outdoor marketplace full of outstanding arts, crafts and clothing to purchase or just admire.

A special concert that night featured Buffy St. Marie (Cree), Rita Coolidge (Cherokee), Lila Downs (Mixtec) and Indigenous (Sioux).

Editor's note: Contributing writer Diane Drobka attended the weeklong First Americans Festival and experienced a sampling of the grand diversity of vibrant cultures.