Photo By Justin Pacheco | 181128-N-NU281-1016 PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 28, 2018) U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tracy...... read more read more
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A National American Indian Heritage Month Observance Ceremony hosted by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Diversity Committee was held at the JBPHH Memorial Chapel, Nov. 28.
This year’s theme, “Sovereignty, Trust and Resilience”, recognizes American Indians, their respect for Mother Nature and the Earth and their many important contributions to the United States.
The National American Indian Heritage Event included Senior Chief Religious Program Specialist Philip Burston as a guest speaker. Burston, who grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada surrounded with the culture of the First Nation’s Tribe, said his life was profoundly changed by understanding Native heritage and customs.
“My life story began in the most diverse city on Earth, where we seemed to have every religion, tribe, nation, culture, and language that you can even imagine,” said Burston. “This impacted my love for diversity and inclusion.”
Burston asked the audience to reflect on native wisdom and our walk together on Earth. He expressed his desire to live like the Native American people in order to preserve the beauty of nature.
Traditional Native American Dancer David L. Bevett, Ph.D., also participated in the event and shared some inspiring words.
“Most of us want to be as flexible as the trees that our father in heaven has created,” said Bevett. “The wind represents the troubles in life. So, when troublesome winds blow, we can be flexible enough to look at all options, possible exits, new paths to take, and look at both sides of the coin.”
Dr. Bevett’s message tied in with this year’s theme as it emphasized the importance of resilience and how flexibility is what ignites teamwork among shipmates, helping to maintain a mission-ready mindset.
Along with guest speakers, there was a presentation about significant American Indian figures in U.S history, including their contribution to the U.S. Navy.
American Indians have been serving in our nation’s military forces since 1776 when General George Washington began recruiting and enlisting them for his Army, Navy, and Marines. One of the most notable Native American Navy Sailors was Medal of Honor recipient, Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class James Elliot Williams. During the Vietnam War, Williams lead his troops through several attacks that resulted in the killing of Vietnamese guerillas, and disrupting a major enemy logistic operation.
At the conclusion of the event, guests were invited to partake in a cake cutting ceremony.
For more information on Diversity Committee Events please visit https://www.facebook.com/JBPHH/
| Date Taken: | 11.30.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.30.2018 14:48 |
| Story ID: | 301852 |
| Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, JBPHH Celebrates Native American Heritage, by SN Aranza Valdez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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