Did you know that Native American and Alaska Native Veterans serve at one of the highest rates among any cultural group in the armed services?
As we recognize National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the heritage of the Native American and Alaska Native Veterans who deeply enrich the quality and character our country, and who have sacrificed so much to defend our nation.
The history of Native American Heritage Month
National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It’s a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.
For almost 100 years, Americans have pushed for a permanently designated place on the calendar to honor the contributions, achievements, sacrifices, and cultural and historical legacy of the original inhabitants of what is now the United States.
This quest for a national honoring of Native Americans began in the early 20th century as a private effort. As far back as the late 1970s, Congress has enacted legislation, and subsequent presidents have issued annual proclamations to celebrate and commemorate the nation’s American Indian and Alaska Native heritage.
Supporting Native American Veterans
Given that the Department of Defense estimates that Native Americans and Alaska Natives have one of the highest representations in the armed forces, VA is committed to ensuring that Native American Veterans and their families can utilize all appropriate benefits and services.
VA consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by Veterans and their families. Providing culturally competent care and support is crucial, and VA aims to be a beacon of support.
“There are a lot of challenges that our Native American Veterans face, so getting the word out about the services we offer, really trying to advocate, and instill the hope that’s out there for getting care is important,” said Sharon Anastas, Suicide Prevention Program manager at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Michigan.
Embracing diversity among Veterans and staff
At VA, our commitment to Veterans knows no boundaries. We dedicate our time to serving all who served, and that means understanding their different backgrounds and experiences so the work we do can be tailored to their individual needs.
All Veterans are unique, and we know that health care is not one-size-fits-all. Embracing the diversity of our patients ensures that we’ll be successful in fulfilling our mission.
In turn, we also know that diversity on our team is a strength, and our workforce should be an accurate representation of the Veterans we serve. Every individual who enters a VA facility must feel safe and valued, so we treat everyone with dignity, integrity, and respect.
By welcoming teammates with different perspectives into our ranks, we provide everyone who comes through our doors the opportunity to share in a wider array of experiences.
Caring for the most diverse group of Veterans in history requires the assurance that everyone—employees, volunteers, and Veterans alike—feel included in the work that we do.
Providing equitable care without borders
Ensuring equitable access to care for American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans means meeting those Veterans where they live. No matter where Veterans choose to call home, it is part of our duty to make sure that they can still rely on the presence of VA.
Almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States return from active military careers to reside in rural communities, and VA needs providers who understand why these communities appeal to Veterans.
Those who work in rural facilities acknowledge the importance of the different experiences, skills, perspectives, and insights that a diverse team can offer to the Veterans we serve.
Work at VA
At VA, we celebrate the differences that make our Veterans unique, and work to provide care that is inclusive and equitable. Find your place with us.
- LEARN about our diverse culture.
- EXPLORE rural jobs at VA.
- DISCOVER the employment benefits of a VA career.
- SEARCH for an opportunity to join our team.
