Throughout Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month, we have explored the intersection between SFI’s policy priorities and our commitment to anti-racism and building a multicultural organization. We featured notable historical figures, discussed policy connections, and shared action items every week focused on voting rights, foreign policy, and domestic demilitarization. We are committed to building our advocacy and our work within this context year-round.
It’s been an incredibly busy and eventful month here at SFI and around the world, but let’s take this opportunity to reflect on all of the information we shared.
Intersection of Native and Indigenous Heritage + Voting Rights
- Voting Rights Figure: Zitkála-Ša (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin)
- Voting Rights + SFI Connection: At SFI, we reflected on the long and slow fight for Native American voting rights and we continue to push for equitable voting access for all.
- Voting Rights Call to Action: Vote in every election!
Intersection of Native and Indigenous Heritage + Foreign Policy
- Foreign Policy Figure: Chester Nez, one of the original code talkers.
- Foreign Policy + SFI Connection: Native Americans serve at higher per-capita rate than any other demographic in the United States.
- Foreign Policy Call to Action: We continue to urge Congress to repeal the Iraq War Authorization. Explore why and what you can do today to influence this issue.
Intersection of Native and Indigenous Heritage + Domestic Demilitarization
- Domestic Demilitarization: A new framework on what it means to be a warrior.
- Domestic Demilitarization + SFI Connection: Native American people are killed in police encounters more than any other ethnic group, and the militarization of our police force contributes to this violence.
- Domestic Demilitarization Call to Action: Join the chorus of military spouses calling for reform and encourage politicians to end the program that sends military-weapons to local police departments.
Native and Indigenous Heritage Roundtable
SFI is dedicated to ensuring all voices are heard, and we strive to grow our membership to be representative of all military families. As part of this effort, we are hosting a four-part series of Roundtable events this year to highlight different underrepresented families within the military community. This is our final Roundtable of the year.
In honor of Native American and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month, we are hosting Recognizing Native and Indigenous Peoples Military Service: Sharing Generational Stories of Honor.” The Roundtable is November 30 at 6:30 PM for military family members who identify as Native or Indigenous. RSVP now to join the conversation.
