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| Photo by Michelle Owens |
| Veterans lead a group of fellow Native Americans into an arena before performing several memorial and intertribal dances. |
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Warfighting spirit
Daleville Powwow celebrates Native American heritage
By Michelle Owens, Army Flier Staff Writer
The rhythmic sound of drums and mesmerizing chants bellowing from men dressed in traditional Native American clothing drew people from the local community, as well as from other southeastern states, to the second annual “Honoring our Armed Forces Native American Powwow” last weekend at the Daleville fairgrounds.
The three-day event began Friday with a Kids Day that featured storytelling, music and dancing. Saturday offered similar events, but included a military appreciation ceremony and a dance competition, which concluded Sunday. Native Americans, dressed in their tribes’ traditional clothing, performed warrior dances to recognize U.S. veterans. Also, those in attendance could purchase traditional Indian items and enjoy Native American music and storytelling.
Native American Heritage Month coincides with Military Appreciation Month this year, and Garrison Commander Col. Yvette Kelley said she was proud to see all the veterans, especially those of Native American descent, attend the event.
“I’m really proud to see the children here because it’s important for them to know their heritage,” she said. “I thank all the Native Americans who, like me, have chosen to serve their country by being in the military.”
American Indians have participated in every U.S. military action in the past 200 years — from the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War on Terrorism, Kelley said.
“Their courage, determination and fighting spirit were recognized by American military leaders as early as the 18th century. (Since then,) Native Americans have served their native land with the pride and warfighting prowess they are known for,” she said.
Although Kelley isn’t Native American, she said she feels connected to their community and shares their belief in the warrior ethos, pride in the U.S. and what it stands for, and undying loyalty to those with whom she serves.
Vance Haney, who’s served the Army as a civilian employee for about 25 years, said his great-grandfather and grandfather both participated in actions against the U.S. from 1840-1890 in the Montana territory. Eventually, his grandfather, a Blackfoot Indian, pledged his loyalty to the U.S. and joined the National Guard in 1916 and served until his retirement.
“He was extremely proud of (his service) … and when World War II broke out, he try to reenlist at the age of 63, but was turned away,” he said. “My grandfather had 13 children, nine of whom fought in World War II, two were killed in action.”
Haney said his family’s service to the U.S. has been “amazing” because in just over 100 years, they went from trying to destroy the military to serving alongside them.
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