A Red-feather day

Soldiers become honorary red-feather bearers during American Indian Heritage Month observance

Lorin T. Smith/Northwest Guardian

Lakota Sioux Indians once presented red feathers to combat-tested braves on the Dakota plains after major battles. Soldiers from 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division became honorary red feather bearers Nov. 22, during the 2011 Joint Base Lewis-McChord and I Corps National American Indian Heritage Month Observance at the McChord Field Collocated Club.

The 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division-hosted ceremony marked the annual remembrance by the military of American Indians’ rich cultural history and traditions.

Since President Bill Clinton proclaimed November as American Indian month, the Department of Defense has recognized the contributions America’s indigenous people have made to the military and nation.

“This observance is an outstanding opportunity to honor the rich Native American and Indian heritage in the local area and across this great nation,” said 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Commander Col. Michael Getchell.

American Indians from local and national tribes played traditional drum songs and told stories passed down through the generations for the Soldiers in attendance.

The Skokomish Youth Drumming and Singing Group sang canoe songs detailing the tribe’s arrival to the Puget Sound.

Retired Sgt. 1st Class John Krise, from the Squaxin Island tribe, a noted storyteller, spoke to the audience about a tale told by elders to young children about the dangers of gossiping:

Before people walked on two feet, the animals ruled the earth.

Clams gossiped about everything under the sun, clacking their shells furiously to one another about what Crow or Mink was doing that day.

The animals were fed up at the incessant chattering and asked the wise Raven what to do.

Raven had all the animals meet him at the beach, and because of the large gathering, all the clams showed up too.

Before the clams could get away, Raven snatched them up in his wings and scattered them all over the beach. Then the animals jumped on the clams, burying them into the beach.

Krise said that’s why we have clams stuck deep in the sandy beaches.

“You know how when you walk down the beaches and you see the clams squirting water up?” Krise said, “They’re talking about you.”

Stories like this are told in about 18 percent of households, as that number represents how many Americans identify himself or herself as American Indian or an Alaska Native.

The federal government recognizes 56 tribes across the United States.

These may seem like small numbers, but today’s military most closely identifies with the Indian warrior culture and symbolism, Getchell said.

The 4th Brigade uses unit nicknames like Huron, Commanche, Blackfoot and Cherokee, among others. The iconic 2nd Infantry Division patch is emblazoned with an Indian warrior.

The connection between American Indians and the military help create the shared fabric that weaves throughout America’s past, present and future, Getchell said.

“Defense of homelands, freedom of communities, the preservation for a way of life, courage, resiliency, personal courage and selflessness, set the examples in today’s American military,” Getchell said.

Delivering the keynote speech was George D. Amiotte, a former Marine sergeant, known by his Indian name as Heavenfire.

Amiotte is a member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribe of Pine Ridge, S.D.

He spent three years in Vietnam as part of a Marine Sparrow Hawk team rescuing downed pilots.

Fighting in the dense jungles caused him to see many horrible scenes he thought would go away once he came home.

But they didn’t, and he had to find it within himself to overcome, along with the help of others in his community. That was the message he brought to the “Raider” brigade Soldiers – how to embrace that warrior spirit after the war is over.

“Going downrange and experiencing combat situations, seeing the horrors of war, that’s sacred stuff,” Amiotte said, “And what are you going to do with all that when you come home?”

Combat gives the spirit the strength to continue because someone in combat has already overcome the most difficult trials life can give, he said.

“Some of the things I’ve seen and brought home with me makes your heart heavy and also at the same time, each and every one of you who has experienced that will make you stronger and more powerful on a spiritual and emotional plane,” he said.

“Before going to war you were all braves; now you are tested warrriors, and we can use that foundation to work at making you a new normal.”

The Emmy-nominated filmmaker and production company owner also helps veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder in the Native American tradition of healing circles and helping victims realize the value of their selfless sacrifice. His teaching methods are used by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Your light is going to shine a little bit brighter in the world that we haven’t seen,” Amiotte said.