Congratulations to the winner of the giveaway!
This Giveaway ended on November 10, 2021
See the rules page for more details.
Show your appreciation with a Veteran's gift box from Bedré Fine Chocolates! Bedré is a nationally recognized luxury chocolate brand owned by the Chickasaw Nation in Ada, Oklahoma - the only Native American tribe to create their own brand of fine chocolate.5
People ask me, ‘Why did you go? Look at all the mistreatment that has been done to your people.’ Somebody’s got to go, somebody’s got to defend this country. Somebody’s got to defend the freedom. This is the reason why I went.
— Chester Nez (Diné, World War II & Korean War veteran)
Did you know that Native Americans serve in the military at higher rates than any other demographic in the U.S.? According to Military Times, "Since 9/11, nearly 19% of Native Americans have served in the armed forces, compared to an average of 14% of all other ethnicities." 1
Given the history between the U.S. Government and Native American tribes, why do so many choose to serve in the military?
The answers are as diverse as the 573 tribes themselves. For many, military service is an extension of their warrior traditions. Others serve for financial reasons. For some, it is a family tradition. Still, others serve for the sheer love of home and country. PBS recently released a documentary, "The Warrior Tradition," which tells the largely untold stories of Native Americans in the military from their own point of view.
World War I & II
The large number of Native people serving during World War II lead to a resurgence of tribal practices. Practices such as protection ceremonies, prayer vigils, and carrying of tribal medicine into battle. 2 After the attack of Pearl Harbor, 44,000 Native Americans enlisted, including 800 women. They earned at least 71 Air Medals, 34 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 51 Silver Stars, 47 Bronze Stars, and 5 Medals of Honor for this service.3
Who are the code talkers?
Code talker was a name given to Native Americans who used their tribal languages to send secret communications on the battlefield. In World War II the U.S. military developed a specific policy to recruit and train American Indian speakers to become code talkers.4 Learn more about the code talkers here.
Korea & Vietnam
Of the 42,000 Native servicemen and women who served in the U.S. armed forces during the Vietnam conflict, 90% were volunteers. When the veterans returned, many found solace and healing in their communities' ceremonies and honors.3 Research suggests that Native Vietnam veterans may have better coped with post-traumatic stress thanks to "tribal rituals connected with warfare and/or ceremonies of healing." 2
Many of PWNA's services help Native American Elders & Veterans. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. Below are some success stories featuring Native American veterans.
Share this page with a friend to help raise awareness of Native American history and culture.
1https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2019/11/15/a-warrior-tradition-why-native-americans-continue-fighting-for-the-same-government-that-tried-to-wipe-them-out
2https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/remarkable-and-complex-legacy-native-american-military-service-180976264/
3https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/story/patriot-nations-native-americans-our-nations-armed-forces
4https://www.veteranaid.org/blog/native-american-veterans-5-facts-you-may-not-know/
5https://bedrechocolates.com/our-story/
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