After 250 years of violent oppression, displacement, and cultural genocide of Native American peoples, the U.S. military has the audacity to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. It is a slap in the face to Indigenous communities and a clear attempt at whitewashing the atrocities committed by the very institution that is supposed to protect and defend all Americans.
For centuries, Native Americans have been subjected to unimaginable horrors at the hands of the U.S. military. From the Trail of Tears to the forced relocation of entire tribes, to the massacres at Wounded Knee and Sand Creek, the list of atrocities goes on and on. And yet, the U.S. military has the nerve to claim it wants to celebrate Native American heritage. It is a blatant disregard for the pain and suffering caused by their actions.
Native American Heritage Month is meant to honor the contributions, achievements, and culture of Indigenous peoples. It is a time to recognize and appreciate the rich history and traditions of Native American communities. However, how can we celebrate when the very institution that is supposed to uphold our values and protect our rights has a long history of actively trying to eradicate our existence?
The U.S. military has a deep-rooted history of violence against Native Americans. It was a key player in implementing the policies and practices of the U.S. government to eradicate and assimilate Native American peoples. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced the relocation of thousands of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands, was carried out by the U.S. military. The resulting forced marches, such as the Trail of Tears, led to the deaths of thousands of Native Americans.
The military also played a significant role in the Indian Wars, a series of violent conflicts between the U.S. government and various Indigenous nations. These wars were fueled by the U.S. government’s desire for land and resources, resulting in the displacement and destruction of Native American communities. The infamous massacre at Wounded Knee, where over 300 Lakota men, women, and children were killed by the U.S. military, is just one example of the brutality inflicted upon Native Americans.
Even today, Native American communities continue to face discrimination and oppression at the hands of the U.S. military. The construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on sacred land, without the consent of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is a prime example of the ongoing disrespect and disregard for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
And yet, the U.S. military wants to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. It is a hollow gesture that serves to gloss over their dark past and present actions. It is a performative act that does nothing to address the systemic issues and injustices faced by Native Americans.
If the U.S. military truly wants to honor Native American heritage, they must first acknowledge and take responsibility for their role in the oppression and violence against Indigenous communities. They must actively work towards reconciliation and reparations for the harm they have caused. And most importantly, they must listen to and respect the voices and rights of Native American peoples.
It is time for the U.S. military to reflect on their past actions and how they have contributed to the ongoing struggles of Native American communities. It is time for them to recognize that their actions have had lasting impacts on Indigenous peoples, and they must take meaningful steps to address these issues.
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, let us not forget the dark and painful history of the U.S. military’s treatment of Indigenous peoples. Let us honor and uplift the voices and experiences of Native Americans, and demand accountability and justice from the very institution that has caused them so much harm. Only then can we truly celebrate Native American heritage with integrity and honesty.
In conclusion, the U.S. military has no right to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Their actions have caused immeasurable harm to Indigenous communities and continue to perpetuate systemic injustices. It is time for the U.S. military to take a long, hard look at their past and present actions and make a genuine effort to address and rectify the harm they have caused. Let us not allow their performative gestures to distract us from the ongoing struggles of Native Americans. As we honor and celebrate Native American heritage, let us also demand accountability and justice for all Indigenous peoples.
