Nave Americans have served in the United States Armed Forces with honor and distinction, defending the security of our Nation with their lives. The Wiyot Tribe holds our Veterans with high regard, Rra'dutwasuduk (we think highly of you). Wiyot Veterans have served in the Armed forces throughout history and are serving in the present day. American Indian and Alaska Native people serve in the US Armed Services at a higher rate than any other group. According to the 2010 Census, it is estimated that over 150,000 veterans identified as American Indian and Alaska Native alone. The US Department of Defense estimates there are currently over 24,000 active-duty Native service members in the US Armed Forces. Since 9/11, Native Americans have served at a higher per-capita rate than any other ethnic group.
According to the 2020 Census, about 334,000 U.S. Veterans identify as American Indian/Alaskan Native. Within the Wiyot community, Wiyot Veterans are given special respect similar to that of elders for their personal sacrifice, to accept responsibility for the protection of our land and people. The Cultural Centers names. Da Gou Rou Louwi’, means the “the ongoing return of all.” During this month of November, a month where the country celebrates Native American Heritage, and a month and we observe Veterans Day. The Honoring Native Veterans All Conflicts Exhibit seeks to honor the service of all U.S. Veterans, while it highlights Wiyot Veterans. We apply this concept to our veterans. We welcome our Veterans return with open arms. The purpose of this exhibit is to honor our service members and to highlight and advocate for increased care for our veterans today. Veterans returning home are entitled to the benefits that the federal government has made available. But as Native veterans return home and seek to access the benefits they are entitled to, veteran services and benefits for them fall short of their needs and are less adequate than those provided to their non-Native counterparts.