🌽Native American Studies Unit 19 – Native American Veterans: Service & Sacrifice

Historical Context

• Native Americans have a long history of military service dating back to the Revolutionary War
• During World War I, around 12,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. military
  • Many volunteered to serve despite not being recognized as U.S. citizens until 1924
• In World War II, over 44,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. armed forces
  • This represented a significant proportion of the Native American population at the time (Navajo Code Talkers)
• Native American soldiers played crucial roles in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and other conflicts
• The high rate of Native American military service continues to the present day
  • Native Americans serve in the U.S. military at a higher rate per capita than any other ethnic group

Military Service Traditions

• Many Native American tribes have warrior traditions that emphasize bravery, honor, and service to the community
• These traditions often involve ceremonies, rituals, and spiritual practices that prepare warriors for battle and help them cope with the challenges of military service
• Some tribes, such as the Navajo and the Choctaw, have a long history of using their native languages as unbreakable codes in military communications (Code Talkers)
• Native American veterans are often highly respected within their communities and are seen as role models for younger generations
• Military service is viewed as a way to uphold tribal values, protect their land and people, and maintain cultural traditions

Notable Native American Veterans

• Ira Hayes (Pima): One of the six Marines who raised the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during World War II
• Joseph Medicine Crow (Crow): Served in World War II and became the last war chief of the Crow Nation
  • Accomplished all four tasks required to become a war chief during his service
• Charles Chibitty (Comanche): A Comanche Code Talker during World War II
• Lori Piestewa (Hopi): The first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military (Iraq War)
• Chester Nez (Navajo): One of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers who developed the unbreakable code used during World War II

Challenges and Discrimination

• Despite their service, Native American veterans have faced discrimination and challenges both during and after their military careers
• Some Native American veterans returned home to find that their land had been taken or their communities were facing economic hardship
• Many Native American veterans struggled with unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare and other benefits
• Native American veterans have historically been underrepresented in national memorials and commemorations
  • The National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., was only recently completed in 2020
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues disproportionately affect Native American veterans

Cultural Impact of Military Service

• Military service has had a significant impact on Native American cultures and communities
• Some Native American veterans have used their experiences to become leaders and advocates for their communities
• Military service has also led to the loss of traditional knowledge and practices, as veterans were often away from their communities for extended periods
• The use of Native American languages in military communications (Code Talkers) has helped to preserve and revitalize these languages
  • The Navajo Code Talkers' contributions led to increased interest in the Navajo language and culture
• Some Native American communities have incorporated military service into their cultural traditions and ceremonies (powwows, honor songs)

Modern-Day Contributions

• Native Americans continue to serve in the U.S. military in high numbers, with many serving in leadership roles
• Native American veterans are active in advocating for the rights and well-being of their communities
  • They work to address issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development
• Many Native American veterans are involved in efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage
  • They share their stories and experiences with younger generations to keep their traditions alive
• Native American veterans have played a key role in the establishment of the National Native American Veterans Memorial
• Some Native American veterans have become successful entrepreneurs, using their skills and experiences to start businesses that benefit their communities

Honoring Native American Veterans

• Native American communities have their own traditions for honoring veterans, such as powwows, honor songs, and ceremonies
• The U.S. government has taken steps to recognize the contributions of Native American veterans
  • In 2013, the Code Talkers Recognition Act was signed into law, awarding Congressional Gold Medals to Native American Code Talkers
• The National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., was dedicated in 2020 to honor the service and sacrifice of Native American veterans
• Many states and local communities have memorials, monuments, and events that specifically recognize Native American veterans
• Efforts are ongoing to ensure that Native American veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve

Resources and Support

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a specific office dedicated to serving Native American veterans
  • The VA provides healthcare, benefits, and other services to Native American veterans
• Many Native American tribes have their own veterans' services offices that provide support and resources to veterans in their communities
• The National Native American Veterans Memorial offers educational resources and programming to raise awareness about the contributions of Native American veterans
• Organizations such as the Native American Veterans Association (NAVA) and the National Indian Veterans Association (NIVA) provide advocacy, support, and resources for Native American veterans
• Scholarships and educational programs are available specifically for Native American veterans and their families to help them pursue higher education and career opportunities