Statement from Jarred-Michael Erickson, the Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, on the Removal of Recognitions of Native American Veterans

The Department of Defense and other military agencies have acted to purge information from their websites that highlighted the heroic actions of Native Americans who served their country. For example, a webpage on Pfc. Ira Hayes, a Native American who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima, has disappeared. Content that described the contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers toward securing Allied victory in World War II has also gone dark.

While tribal nations are sovereign governments, many tribal members have chosen to serve honorably as soldiers in the American armed forces. Like all veterans, many suffered grievous injury, or gave the full sacrifice of their lives in service of American values such as freedom and democracy.

It is not any kind of race-based political statement to recognize the valor and achievements of Native American servicemen and servicewomen. All soldiers should receive the honor they have earned. The patriotic service of our Native veterans should never be forgotten, and the recognitions of them should be restored immediately.

Jarred-Michael Erickson
Chairman
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

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