At the National Museum of the American Indian
By Dawn Andersen
The National Museum of the American Indian, located in lower Manhattan at 1 Bowling Green, is a tribute to one of America’s most important histories—that of its indigneous peoples. Outside the front of the building are four statues of women meant to represent five continents: Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Africa.
Climbing the steps you will see Lady Liberty seated holding a bundle of corn symbolizing “unity,” and behind her right shoulder is a Native American with his eyes set similarly on the horizon. The statue symbolizes the intention of the museum, and the respect it intends to pay to those unseen and unheard voices who were here thousands of years prior to European conquest.
The museum’s latest installation, “Why We Serve,” views Native American history through that lens. It speaks to how, even when America attempts to enshrine or pay tribute to Native Americans, oftentimes it is done from an outsider’s perspective.
This exhibit offers individual stories, showcasing why Native Americans have such a long and complex history within the Armed Forces. It gives them their own personal agency, and addresses the common critique they faced during their respective eras: “Why do you fight for a country who stole everything from you?”
As Chester Nez a Diné [Navajo], who fought in World War II and is featured in the exhibit, observes, “Look at all the mistreatment that has been done to your people. Somebody’s got to go. Somebody’s got to defend freedom. This is the reason I went.”
These brave Native Americans provide various rationales for taking up soldiering. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the need to satisfy an inner warrior spirit and honor their ancestors is primarily cited. In the mid to late 20th century, the main motive seems to have become choosing three square meals and a bed over inescapable abject poverty. In all cases, it proves to be a mix of both an inherent and culturally valued valor and a survival instinct.
Present-day Native American cultures and tribes struggle with poverty, health care, and even access to clean drinking water. Many of these problems are unrecognized and historians can trace their origins back to the creation of the reservation system.
Intended to preserve Native American culture, the reservation system serves to keep the problems “out of sight” and “out of mind.” Thanks to institutions like the Smithsonian, we are able to hear Native American voices and see history from their perspective, including through their art and impeccable craftsmanship. Institutions like this and others ideally will help open the eyes of the American public to the rich and breathtaking history of this land’s indigenous peoples, and the struggles currently afflicting them.