In November, as the nation observes Native American Heritage Month, the Pentagon has made notable efforts to honor the contributions of Native Americans within the U.S. military. Ceremonies have been held across the country, including an Air Force-sponsored intertribal powwow in Florida and a celebration of Native American aircraft nose art in Oregon. These events aim to highlight the achievements and sacrifices of Native American service members, showcasing stories of individuals like a South Dakota National Guardsman from the Oglala Sioux tribe who received a hair exemption to honor his cultural practices, and an Air National Guardsman from the District of Columbia who embraces his diverse tribal heritage.
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks emphasized the importance of this month as a time to recognize the achievements of Indigenous peoples throughout U.S. history. Her remarks included a nod to the Navajo Code Talkers, who played a crucial role in World War II by using their native language to create an unbreakable code for U.S. Marines. However, while these celebrations are well-intentioned, they often gloss over a darker history of violence and oppression faced by Native Americans at the hands of the U.S. military.
Experts like Keith Richotte Jr., director of the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program at the University of Arizona, argue that while acknowledging Native veterans is commendable, it risks oversimplifying the complex and often brutal history of U.S. military interactions with Indigenous peoples. Richotte points out that the military’s historical role in the subjugation of Native Americans is often overlooked in these celebratory narratives. Jeffrey Ostler, a professor of history emeritus at the University of Oregon, bluntly states that the Army served as an instrument of a settler colonial empire, tasked with converting Native lands into private property for white settlers.
The U.S. Army’s history is intertwined with the displacement and violence against Native Americans, dating back to its formation in 1775. For instance, George Washington ordered a scorched-earth campaign against the Six Nations in 1779, resulting in the destruction of villages and the devastation of crops. This pattern of violence continued throughout the 19th century, with numerous campaigns aimed at forcibly removing Native tribes from their lands. The Army’s own records detail a series of “Indian Wars” that reflect a narrative of conquest and extermination rather than one of coexistence and respect.
The Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 serves as a chilling example of this violent legacy. U.S. troops, under the command of Colonel John Chivington, attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho camp, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, including many women and children. Testimonies from the time reveal the brutality of the assault, with reports of indiscriminate killings and horrific mutilations. Chivington’s actions were never punished, reflecting a broader culture of impunity surrounding military violence against Native peoples.
Despite the Pentagon’s recent efforts to acknowledge Native American contributions, the historical narrative often remains selective. A 2021 study published in the journal Science revealed that Native tribes have lost an astounding 98.9 percent of their land since European colonization. This loss is not merely a statistic; it represents the ongoing struggle of Native communities to reclaim their heritage and rights.
As the military reflects on its past, there are signs of progress. The Defense Department has announced a review of Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers for their roles in the Wounded Knee Massacre and has expressed regret for historical military actions against Tlingit villages in Alaska. However, experts caution that these gestures must be accompanied by meaningful actions that address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.
Richotte emphasizes the need for a deeper reckoning with the past, stating that mere acknowledgment without substantive change falls short of true reconciliation. The invisibility of Indigenous peoples in historical narratives perpetuates colonialism, and until this is addressed, the cycle of erasure and violence may continue.
In this context, Native American Heritage Month serves as both a celebration of resilience and a call to confront uncomfortable truths. As the nation honors the contributions of Native Americans to its military history, it must also grapple with the legacy of violence and dispossession that has shaped their experiences. Only through a comprehensive understanding of this history can a more just and equitable future be forged for Indigenous communities.