Native American Heritage Month looks to the future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Kroll
  • Native America Heritage Month committee
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Native American Heritage Month enhances cross-cultural awareness, mutual respect and understanding and promotes harmony, pride and espirit de corps. However, the main objective of Native American Heritage Month, observed each November, is to recognize and honor the original people of America.

"Since the birth of America, Native Americans have contributed immeasurably to our country and our heritage, distinguishing themselves as scholars, artists, entrepreneurs and leaders in all aspects of our society," said President Barack Obama for the Native American Heritage Month presidential proclamation. "Native Americans have also served in the United States Armed Forces with honor and distinction, defending the security of our nation with their lives."

Native American's morals, values and ideals molded the American way. They show wisdom of how simple it is to put service before self, honor and respect others, especially leaders, elders and the environment. Showing respect is a basic law of life. Native Americans are respectful of other's ethnicity, culture and background. They reserve judgment on others and turn a deaf ear towards prejudice. Making us united and in remembering those who contributed so much to our country, we can teach other generations how to maintain a sense of unity.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, several events are planned throughout November to reflect this year's theme of "Serving Our People, Serving the Nations: Native Visions for Future Generations." For further information about any of the events, contact 2nd Lt. Daryl McMahan at philip.mcmahan@hanscom.af.mil or Joann Schmidt at joann.schmidt@hanscom.af.mil.

Native American Heritage Month events:
Nov. 15 - Center for Native American Awareness Mini Pow-wow, Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley, Mass. Event runs from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information call 617-642-168.

Nov. 18 - Native American Heritage Day Pow-wow and Educational Workshop, Bridgewater State University, Mass. Event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call 617-642-1683.

Nov. 19 - Native American Flute Concert performance by Richard Soaring Owl followed by "Windtalkers" screening. Event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held at the Hanscom Conference Center.

Nov. 21 to 24 - Federation of Old Plimouth Indian Tribes, First Peoples Cultural Festival, Water St., Pilgrim Memorial Park, Plymouth, Mass. For more information call 508-295-8193.

Nov. 24 - Dighton Intertribal Council Native American Craft and Food Drive Fundraiser, Taunton Elks, 119 High St., Taunton, Mass. For more information call 508-880-6887.

Nov. 27 - The Jim Thorpe Classic 5K Run/Walk. Event begins at 11:30 a.m. at Castle Park.

Nov. 29 - Hanscom Native American Heritage Brown Bag Luncheon. Guest speaker is Richard Soaring Owl. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. at The Tavern in the Minuteman Commons.