The National Museum of the American Indian held an opening reception for its Cherokee Days program on the night of Wednesday, April 2. Photos by Lynne Harlan/EBCI Public Relations

A Cherokee Friendship Dance was held at the opening reception of the NMAI Cherokee Days program on the night of Wednesday, April 2.

Shown (left-right) are Principal Chief Michell Hicks, EBCI First Lady Marsha Hicks, Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC), Congressman Markwayne Mullins (R-Okla.) – a Cherokee Nation citizen, and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

NMAI director Kevin Gover accepts a gift from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian, a photo print by EBCI tribal member Bear Allison.

Vice Chief Larry Blythe (left) is shown during the Friendship Dance with Laura Blythe and Paxton Myers.