Native Veteran Stories
Native Americans, have been —and continue to be — our nation’s staunchest protectors in our military conflicts, having first served as early as the American Revolution. Furthermore, in proportion to their population, they continue to serve at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in the United States even though most were not granted citizenship until after World War One. Theirs is an exemplary record of military service that continues to this day. And, despite the painful treatment, betrayals and broken promises that America’s indigenous population has withstood, when Native Americans are asked why they serve militarily, their response is, “we are a warrior people who have a sacred responsibility to protect our homeland, our families, our communities, and our cultural traditions.”
The fact is that not only are Native Americans intensely patriotic, but they are also prouder still to wear the uniform and to openly celebrate those who wear it because military service reinforces age-old sacred traditions that unify tribal communities.
NIEA is elevating the stories of Native Veterans through first-hand interviews, the content from which we are converting into curriculum and lesson plans that can be used in classrooms around the country. Learn more about our work in the links below.
Montana IEFA (second access point for the Montana Indian Education for All)