SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- "Discover Navajo: People of the
Fourth World" concluded its successful debut at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games
in Salt Lake City.  The exhibition fulfilled the Navajo Nation's goal of
bringing the culture of the Navajo people and the physical landscape of the
largest Indian reservation in the country to the attention of the world.
    "This has been the culmination of a dream for the Nation," said Fred
White, Director of Tourism for the Navajo Nation, who spearheaded the
exhibition located at the Gateway Center adjacent to the Olympic Legacy Plaza.
"We had the premiere location and were thrilled with the reaction of visitors
and media to the exhibition."  Actor Kevin Costner, Secretary of the Interior,
Gail Norton, and International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge were
among the 30,000 visitors who toured  Discover Navajo from February 1 - 24.
    The main exhibit featured a life-sized replica of a traditional hogan,
displays of plants, Navajo rugs and art, and grand photographic murals of the
Navajo landscape.  Navajo guides, silversmiths, weavers, storytellers and
Codetalkers brought the culture and history of Navajo to life for visitors.
The pavilion also featured a Trading Post which showcased and sold the works
of Navajo artists including baskets, fashions, jewelry, pottery and other
crafts.
    The Navajo Nation invested more than $2 million dollars in the Olympic
project which also included hosting the Torch Relay through Monument Valley
and a reception for the International Olympic Committee.
    "Discover Navajo: People of the Fourth World" was designed as a traveling
exhibition.  According to White, the exhibition has received numerous
inquiries and offers of support.  White anticipates that the first traveling
show will take "Discover Navajo: People of the Fourth World" to destinations
in Europe.  "This was only our debut performance," notes White.  "It is clear
from the response we received that we have a story to tell that the world
wants to hear."
    The Navajo Nation spans 27,000 square miles and extends into the states of
Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.  It covers some of the most beautiful natural
sites in the western United states including Monument Valley, Canyon de
Chelly, Navajo National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Link to this page: