Carson celebrates American Indian heritage

By Sgt. 1st Class Jacob A. McDonaldNovember 19, 2014

Carson celebrates American Indian heritage
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Carson celebrates American Indian heritage
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Jim Bear Running Montoya, Apache Indian and President of the Colorado Springs Indian Center Inc., blesses the drum before beginning a traditional performance which included a drum circle, singing and dancing at the Fort Carson National American Indi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Carson celebrates American Indian heritage
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Carson celebrates American Indian heritage
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The sound of drumming thrummed through the Elkhorn Conference Center on Fort Carson Nov. 17 as performers in Native American traditional dress sang and danced during a National American Indian Heritage Month observance.

The celebration, titled "Native Pride and Spirit: Yesterday, Today and Forever," focused on the history, customs, rituals and legends of American Indian cultures.

The guest speaker at the event Jim Bear Running Montoya, Apache Indian and president of the Colorado Springs Indian Center Inc., spoke about how American Indians are still holding up their warrior ancestry by serving in today's military.

"Native Americans seem to go into the armed forces; about one out of five," Montoya said. "It's an honorable thing. In the 1800s warriors were respected highly in the native culture. The warriors of our country now, soldiers of whatever branch, are very well respected and honored."

Montoya, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962-1967, said he is glad for the diversity in the military today and the support and camaraderie regardless of culture or color.

"Today I am glad there is a lot of respect for the armed forces," Montoya said. "I know if you are in danger or a dangerous situation, no matter what uniform you wear, the guy or the woman next to you will save your life or you will save theirs. Color doesn't mean (anything) anymore, we are all in it together."

Attendees, many of whom are Native American, said being a part of the event helped them reconnect and embrace the culture and heritage and be proud of who they are.

"We don't necessarily think about each other's differences," said Sgt. Brittany Posey, multichannel transmission systems operator-maintainer, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. "We come to work, have the uniform on and just think Soldier automatically. We don't think (of) what's behind that person. To be able to come here or to any observation and dig deeper into who a person is and their culture, I think is very important."

The idea of the warrior culture shared between the American Indian culture and today's military also touched attendees.

"There are some things that are timeless, our respect for warriors, our respect for each other," said Deputy Commanding General Col. (P) Michael J. Tarsa, 4th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Carson. "The fact that each one of you wears this uniform, is the fact of a warrior for life and that is something the Army right now is embracing fully in our Soldier for Life campaign."

Traditional American Indian foods were served following the ceremony.