Fort recognizes Native American heritage, impact on future generations

By Ms. Joan B Vasey (Huachuca)November 24, 2015

usa image
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Native American performer Roman Orona, representing the Apache, Pueblo and Yaqui People, speaks to the audience about the importance of tradition and how each person's actions during their life impact seven generations. Orona was the keynote speaker ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Visitors admire native American jewelry and pottery displayed in the Thunder Mountain Activity Centre lobby as part of Fort Huachuca's National American Indian Heritage Month Observance Nov. 12. The display was part of the event's cultural sharing, s... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - Fort Huachuca welcomed a special guest speaker representing the Apache, Pueblo and Yaqui People to share his message of growing leaders and enhancing future generations during Fort Huachuca's National American Indian Heritage Month Observance at the Thunder Mountain Activity Centre (TMAC) Nov. 12.

Roman Orona spoke about how the actions of one generation impacted not only those living in the present, but also seven future generations. He said people should make it a point for their actions to have a positive impact on the world.

Orona also dispelled myths some people have about Native Americans and their culture.

"We don't worship animals. We don't worship the trees. We don't worship the mountains. We honor them because they have a spirit of the creator within them. They grew, they breathed -- they gave us things. Whether it was the deer of the Yaqui Tribe that provided food, clothing and tools, we honor that deer, the spirit through dance."

Orona cited other examples of natural things the Native People honor for the same reasons, such as trees for providing food, shelter and firewood, the necessities of traditional life.

"We thank them," he said, and described how the traditional Native American dances are part of the thanksgiving process.

Orona also spoke of the importance of tradition in an ever-changing and contemporary world, and how traditions add to stability to the many changes that take place during one's lifetime. He also cited the importance of getting a good education and using it to have a positive impact on others' lives.

At the opening of the celebration, sponsored by the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca's Military Equal Opportunity Office team, Staff Sgt. James Atcitty, Fort Huachuca Medical Command, read the National Native American Heritage Month Presidential Proclamation. Later, wearing traditional ceremonial clothing, Native Americans from Red House Productions performed several traditional dances before inviting members of the audience to join in and dance within a friendship circle.

A Native American food sampling followed the formal program and offered attendees an opportunity to taste traditional staples which are part of tribal members' diets. Before and after the heritage month observance, everyone had an opportunity to visit a cultural display set up in the TMAC lobby. It featured jewelry, pottery, everyday items used for food storage and transportation, artwork and costume accessories.

"I just found out about the heritage observation," said Jan Feutz, a member of the Sierra Vista community who attended the event for the first time. "I read about it in the local newspaper and am glad I came. I did not realize Fort Huachuca offered these types of programs and will plan to attend more of them in the future. I like the chance [this event] offered to learn about something new."