| National
American Indian Heritage Month focuses
on the countless contributions as well
as the tremendous sacrifices made by the
native peoples of North America in the
shaping of our great nation.
In 1914, Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfoot Tribe, rode horseback from
state to state in the hope of gaining support for a day of tribute to the American
Indian. Although considered American citizens in 1924, it wasn’t until
August 3, 1990, that a national observance was officially proclaimed when a Senate
Resolution passed designating the month of November as “National American
Indian Heritage Month.” While some tribes are extinct, there remain over
550 federally recognized tribes and many state recognized tribes across the country.
Indian people across our nation are still living as well as participating in
their heritage.
Soldiers from various Indian nations like the Hopi, Creek, Comanche, Choctaw,
Chippewa, Oneida, Kiowa, Menominee, Muscogee, Seminole, Pawnee, Sac and Fox,
and Sioux nations have all served our country during times of war. American Indians
first served in World War I. During World War II, some 400 Navajo Indians served
as Code Talkers. Because there was no Navajo written language, it was impossible
for non-Navajos to be able to decipher Navajo military messages. This innovative
communication system was instrumental to the success of the U.S. in such military
battles as Guadalcanal, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. As a result, countless
American lives were saved.
For over 100 years, Mohawk and Iroquois Indians have been highly skilled ironworkers—the
men who assemble the skyscraper steel beams hundreds of feet above the ground.
They helped build what were known at the time as some of the tallest buildings
in the world -- the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Twin
Towers. In September 2001, present day Mohawk ironworkers returned to New York
City to tearfully dismantle what their elders had assembled.
During National American Indian Heritage Month, I encourage you to learn more
about the rich culture of the American Indian and Alaska Native. Through education,
social gatherings, and various events celebrating the early inhabitants of our
great nation, we can reaffirm our appreciation for the history and heritage of
the Native peoples of America.
Nancy
C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific
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