An Inclusive Memorial

National Native American Veterans Memorial

National Native American Veterans Memorial

Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC

We collaborated with Native artist Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne Arapaho) and Butzer Architects and Urbanism to realize the vision for this new memorial. Set on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian, the Memorial honors American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians who served in the U.S. military.

The central Warriors’ Circle of Honor creates a contemplative gathering space around an upright steel ring, echoing circular designs with significance to many Native cultures. Designed with inclusion in mind, the Memorial is fully accessible to people with mobility issues. A winding path through the Museum’s reconstructed native wetland encourages visitors to reflect on the healing qualities of nature.

Photo: Alan Karchmer for NMAI, courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian

We wish for this to be a sacred place, not just for Native Americans, but for all Americans.

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