National American Indian Heritage Month Celebrated at the Detroit Arsenal

By Bill Gattie, TACOM LCMC Public AffairsDecember 20, 2013

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Detroit Arsenal's 2013 annual observance of National American Indian Heritage Month was held November 14. This year's theme, "Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions," was chosen by the Society of American Indian Government Employees .

Mistress of Ceremonies Barbara Stallworth welcomed the audience and introduced Chad McDowell, TACOM LCMC Integrated Logistics Support Center , who sang the National Anthem, and Lt. Col. Stephen P. DeMien, command chaplain, who delivered the invocation. Deputy Chief of Staff for Human Capital Tim Tarczynski introduced the guest speaker, Hunter Genia, behavioral health administrator for the Saginaw Chippewa Nation, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Genia shared some information with the audience concerning the progress that the American Indian people have made throughout our nation's history toward becoming citizens with the same rights as everyone else. He noted that, although American Indians make up only about two percent of the total U.S. population, they have had the largest percentage of any racial or ethnic group to serve in the military since World War I. This is particularly noteworthy given the fact that they were not allowed to become citizens until 1924. "One of the things that makes this nation great," Genia said, "is that we can learn from the mistakes of the past."

Following Genia's presentation, dance performers from the North American Indian Association demonstrated some of their native dances. Genia received a two-star note signed by TACOM LCMC commander Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry at the conclusion of the program.

Genia is a descendent of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa, Saginaw Chippewa Nation, and has been working professionally with his native American communities for the past 23 years, both in Grand Rapids and Mount Pleasant. He earned his Masters Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 1999.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Behavioral Health Services provides mental health services to all eligible Native Americans, of any federally recognized tribe residing in a five county district in the central lower peninsula of Michigan. The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe has over 3,400 tribal members, with roughly 50% of the population being under the age of 18. During Genia's tenure as the behavioral health administrator, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has carried the burden financially for providing the behavioral health care for their tribe.