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| News > Commentary - Native American Heritage Month: Serving our people, our nations |
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November is the Department of Defense governed month to celebrate the contributions of Native Americans to America. New Mexico has twelve tribal ties within its borders with close proximity to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. (Courtesy photo)
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Native American Heritage Month: Serving our people, our nations
Posted 10/26/2012 Updated 10/30/2012
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Commentary by Airman Christina Burklow
27th Special Operations Communications Squadron
10/26/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- November is the Department of Defense governed month to celebrate the contributions of Native Americans to America. New Mexico has twelve tribal ties within its borders. The Mesalero Reservation, named after the mescal agave plant native to our region, is approximately 200 miles from Clovis, N.M., and owns the Inn of the Mountain Gods resort, a Casino, the Ski Apache Resort, and has a cultural center and museum to visit. There are other regions to visit in New Mexico rich in Native American history such as Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Native American culture is rich in traditions seeped with religious aspects. Their religion is centered on the concept that the supernatural world is manifested in the physical world. Like many coming of age ceremonies across cultures, the Mescalero Apache has a 'Sunrise Dance' for young women. This dance can last between two to four days and acts as a rite passage. It is a lesson in hard work, endurance, and spiritual heritage and helps bring the community together. There are other many important dances rich with meaning in other tribes as well.
Today, there are more than 300 Native American Reservations in the U.S. Many find themselves facing extreme poverty and a lack of employment opportunities. In 2010, President Obama voted to adopt the 2007 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which acknowledges the rights of indigenous people to self-determination and their government's responsibilities.
The DoD Appropriations Act was passed in 2010 as well, in which Senator Brownback inserted an official U.S. apology to Native people. On Dec. 19, Mark Charles, a Navajo, is scheduled to invite the global community on the lawn of the U.S. Capital building to communicate the act and focus on the future for the Native American people of the U.S.
At Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., there will be multiple opportunities to celebrate Native American Culture. Follow the 27th Special Operations Wing Facebook page or contact Staff Sgt. Michael Caito at 575-784-1384 or Master Sgt. Shanda Moon at 575-784-7776 for more information.
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