First Americans Museum seeks to expand Native American veteran database. CODY HAMMER/Osage News
The First Americans Museum (FAM) is expanding their Native American veteran database.
They are inviting veterans and servicemembers who are members of the 39 Tribal Nations in Oklahoma to participate in a “Making History” event Nov. 11-14, 2021. The event is an opportunity for veterans and service members to be added to an interactive database featured in FAM’s Tribal Nations Gallery.
Tribally enrolled veterans, service members and their families may bring documentation of military service, awards, and photographs to be professionally scanned by archivists. Portrait photography will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to support this effort, according to a news release. Families of those unable to participate may submit documentation on behalf of their loved ones.
Funding for the “Making History” project is provided through a grant from Boeing, which announced in November $1.8 million in donations to organizations supporting Indigenous communities in the U.S.
“First Americans have the highest record of service per capita in the armed forces compared to the general population and we honor and commemorate their service at FAM,” said James Pepper Henry (Kaw/Muscogee), FAM Director/CEO.
Native Americans have served in every United States conflict. World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Native men and women continue to serve in high numbers at home and abroad. According to the Department of Defense, more than 24,000 of the 1.2-million current active-duty servicemen and women are Native.
For more information and to schedule an appointment to participate in FAM’s “Making History” project, visit www.famok.org/events/veteransday2021.
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2021-11-08 00:00:00