National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
What is it'
On August 3, 1990 President George H. W. Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. The Bill read in part that "the President has authorized and requested to call upon Federal, State and local Governments, groups and organizations and the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities." Since then presidents have reiterated that proclamation each year with one of their own adding Alaska Natives to the proclamation.
Why is it important to the Army'
Our Army values diversity. Americans Indians have volunteered to serve in conflicts from World War II to Iraq. Few encountered any overt prejudice while in uniform, though Navajo Code Talkers were sometimes mistaken by their own men for Japanese soldiers. But as one code talker recalled, Navajos had a chance to prove that wrong; the military prized them for speaking their own language. For all American Indian veterans, the honor of defending their country overrode all other considerations. From the Civil War to today's current conflicts, American Indians and Alaska Natives have made lasting contributions to our wartime efforts.
What is the Army doing'
As with all commemorative months that feature the Army's diverse ethnicities, this commemorative month aims to provide a platform and forum for Americans Indians and Alaska Natives to share their culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance, and ways and concepts of life to their installations, agencies and communities. The Army encourages appropriate events and activities showcasing their service and contributions to our Army in war and peacetime.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'
The United States Army has celebrated these brave Americans' heritage and their importance to our great Nation and our world. They have enriched our heritage and added to all aspects of our society. Our country is blessed to have their character and strength, and we are especially grateful for the generations of Americans Indians and Alaska Natives who have answered the call to defend our country. We will not forget them and this commemoration will continue far into the future.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.army.mil/americanindians/'ref=home-spot0-title" target="_blank">American Indians in the U.S. Army</a>
<a href="http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-nativeamericans.html" target="_blank">Library of Congress</a>
<a href="http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/" target="_blank">Native American Heritage Month</a>
<a href="http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/Heritage/Index.cfm" target="_blank">Indian Health Service</a>
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