JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Department of Defense 2012 theme for National American Indian Heritage Month is, "Serving our People, Serving our Nations - Native visions for future generations." It encourages the nation to reflect and celebrate the cultures, histories and traditions of the indigenous people of North America, including Alaska and Hawaii.
According to U.S. Census figures, as of March 2012, the Pentagon reports 22,248 active-duty American Indian military members. There are 13,511 in the Navy; 4,404 in the Army; 2,205 in the Air Force; and 2,128 in the Marine Corps.
Team Andrews is celebrating NAIHM with special events and weekly facts displayed on JBA website and Facebook.
The first event was a bow making demonstration presented by Mr. Chuck Tsinnie, an American Indian born and raised on the Dineh Reservation in Arizona. He educated Team Andrews members on the contributions of American Indians and demonstrated how to make a bow using a tomahawk.
On Nov. 27, there will be a mini powwow and food-tasting event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Activities Center hosted by Col. William A. Knight, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander. There will be food, dancing and displays.
To learn more about American Indian Culture visit the National Museum of the American Indian website at http://nmai.si.edu/visit/washington/.