National Museum of the American Indian

Biography

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian is dedicated to working in collaboration with the indigenous peoples of the Americas to foster and protect Native cultures throughout the Western Hemisphere. The museum's publishing program seeks to augment awareness of Native American beliefs and ways of life and to educate the public about the history and significance of Native cultures.

Cécile R. Ganteaume, associate curator, joined the National Museum of the American Indian when it was established as part of the Smithsonian. Previously she was on the curatorial staff of the museum's forerunner institution, the Museum of the American Indian-Heye Foundation, in New York. Her essays have appeared in many publications, including Native American Dance: Ceremonies and Social Traditions, Creation's Journey: Native American Identity and Belief, and American Indian Art Magazine. Her research interests center on American Indian material culture, tribal histories, and Apache cultural studies.