The mission of the National Native American Veterans Association is to educate and assist Native American Veterans and their families without regard to Tribal Affiliation, Degree of Indian Blood, Branch of the Armed Forces or Combat Status in obtaining benefits and entitlements from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The National Native American Veterans Association will assist any Tribal Leadership, Federally recognized or not, is developing programs for Native American Veterans and act as a resource center for Tribal Leadership for information on Veteran’s benefits and entitlements which may be incorporated into existing Tribal Programs.
NNAVA has a Moccasin project for deployed native military. Due to expenses and only
a handful of volunteers available to work on the program, it is currently in suspension
due to a backlog of requests waiting to be filled. We hope in the future to be able
to revive the program once again, hopefully to include resources to help with the
making and beading of the moccasins.
MOCCASINS by Steph McCalister: Moccasins are
the traditional footwear of most North American First peoples. The style and decoration
of moccasins differed from region to region due to environment, climate, and available
material. Everyday moccasins were usually plain as they needed to be strong to endure
the rigor of daily life. Decorative moccasins were made for special occasions and
ceremonies. At one time, moccasins were the only footwear First peoples used.
Because
of this, moccasins held great significance for survival and everyday life. Moccasins
are a symbol of the strength and legacy of Native people. Designs on personal belongings
were tied to Vision Quests. If a warrior was killed in battle, the spirit would know
how to return home because the helpers would recognize that individual from the vision
quest symbol. Moccasins have played an important role in death and the spirit journey.
At the time of death the spirit travels to every place the living person has been.
Traditional burial moccasins often had decoration on the bottom to assure the moccasins
would not wear out while the spirit was on its journey.
Hence the tradition that it
is important to be properly attired in death, wearing the best moccasins and other
clothing. In the spirit world you will meet all of those who have died before you.
Not only those you have known in your life, but all of your ancestors. If you are
wearing a good pair of moccasins, it is a sign of how much your family cares for
you.' Moccasin makers create moccasins out of a deep connection to their tradition
and culture. From this, came how Warriors went to battle wearing new moccasins, for
when were you more likely to start your spirit journey, home at peace, or while doing
battle? And the symbols on them helped the Warrior find the path safely home again,
either to their families, or on their spirit journey.
We in NNAVA have taken this
tradition to heart with our moccasin project. We make them for the warriors, our
brothers & sisters, with prayer & blessings, to keep their feet swift, their path
true, their journeys, either home or spirit, safe. Their designs are in our hearts
& minds as we pray & toil over these moccasins, they are in the spirit of these moccasins,
to guide their journey safely. Our Moccasin Project is part of this heritage.
James D. "Standing Horse" Cates, Choctaw, MSgt/USAF Retired. Chairman, National Native American
Veterans Association.
Stephanie McCalister, Cherokee, 100% s/c Disabled Vet
US Army/USAF Res/Panama/Persian
Gulf/Somalia
National Council Elder at Large, former Missouri State Chair National
Native American Veterans Association.
Thomas M. Berry, Choctaw, USAF/Vietnam/Persian Gulf
Founder and first NNAVA Chair,
Special Advisor to the Chairman, and Registered Agent, Elder, Oklahoma
National Native American Veterans Association.
Examples of Legislation NNAVA supports: (Not in this list, NNAVA later added & also
supports any legislation regarding making reparations and stopping the illegal taxation
of Native Military with home of record on Reservations).
Legislative News (2005)
House
Resolution 76 “ Native American Recognition Act”
109th Congress 1st Session Introduced
by: Mr. Baca, Mr. Towns, Mr. Grijalva, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Faleomavaega, Mr. McDermott,
Mr. Pallone, and Mr. Kildee. This resolution has been submitted to the House of Representatives
and has been referred to the Committee on Resources. Under the provisions of this
House Resolution, not only would the Native American Peoples have Congressional recognition
for their contributions to the United States, but this resolution would establish
a Native American Recognition Day as a paid Federal Holiday.
House Resolution 1773
“Native American Veteran Home Loan Act” 109th Congress 1st Session, Introduced on
April 21, 2005 by Ms. Hershey, Mr. Faleomavaega, Mr. Evans, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Reyes,
Ms. Berkley, Mr. Udall, Mr. Ambercrombie, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Grijalva,
Ms. Kilpatrick, Mr. Case, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Oberstar, and Mr. Boozman. This resolution
has been referred to the Veterans Affairs Committee. This resolution would make permanent
the Native American Veteran Direct Home Loan Program. The current program is still
considered as a pilot program and is therefore subject to being shut down by the
Secretary of the Veterans Affairs Administration. This bill would amend Title 38,
U.S.C. to make it necessary for Congressional action to shut down the program.
House
Resolution 797, “NA Housing Enhancement Act of 2005” 109th Congress 1st Session This
Resolution was engrossed (passed) by the House on April 6, 2005 and has been sent
to the Senate for consideration. This Act amends the Native American Housing Assistance
and Self-Determination Act of 1996. The basis for this act is a Congressional Study
which found:
• There exists a unique relationship between the Government of the United
States and the governments of Indian tribes
• Native Americans experience some of
the worst housing conditions in the country
• The poverty rate for Native Americans
is twice that of the rest of the population of the country
• The population growth
of Native Americans that began in the latter part of the 20th Century has increased
the need for Federal Housing Services. The scope of this bill allows the Indian Tribes
to leverage funds with other Federal and private funds, allows particular exemptions
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1968, and strengthens the Native American Housing
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 as well as the Indian Civil Rights
Act of 1968.
House Resolution 601 “NAV Cemetery Act of 2005” 109th Congress 1st Session,
Introduced by: Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Case, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Cole of Oklahoma,
MR. Evans, Mr. Filner, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. Hastings of Florida, Mr.
Inslee, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Kennedy of Rhode Island, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Kuchinich,
Ms. Lee, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Neal of Massachusetts, Ms. Morton, Mr.
Oberstar, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Renzi, Mr. Reyes, Mr. Towns, Mr. Udall of Colorado, and
Mr. Wynn. This bill was introduced on February 2, 2005 and has been referred to the
Committee on Veteran Affairs. This resolution would provide for the eligibility of
Indian tribal organizations for grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs for
the establishment of veteran cemeteries on tribal trust lands.
Senate Bill 1035 “ Code Talkers Recognition Act” 109th Congress 1st Session, Introduced by: Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Thune, Mr. Grassley, and Mr. Harkin. This bill was introduced on May 13, 2005, was read twice and referred to the Committee o Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. This bill is to authorize the presentation of commemorative medals on behalf of the Congress to Native Americans who served as Code Talkers during foreign conflicts in which the United States was involved in during the 20th Century.
Stephanie McCalister
Stephanie McCalister, NNAVA National Council member.
I'm a Cherokee woman 100% service connected disabled USAF Gulf War Veteran. I served with the US Army 77-78 and USAF Res 79-99. My service included humanitarian missions throughout the world, and combat/hostile operations tours in the Persian Gulf (1987 Iran-Iraq 8 year war) (Activated for 90-91 Desert Shield/Storm), 1989 Panama and 93-94 Somalia. My military career included skill training as an Army Terminal Operations Specialist, USAF Avionics Communications Navigational Equipment Technician, C-5 Flight Engineer, Flight Operations and Administration, Aircrew Manager, Operations Command and Control, and Airfield Manager.
I am separated, with two wonderful children and two beautiful grandsons. My father before me was a USAF Veteran, and my son is Army National Guard currently activated and deployed overseas. My Cherokee bloodline comes from my tsalagi great grandmother. My heritage comes from the knowledge of my ancestral line passed down through my family predating the Removal. The path I follow is the one the Creator has shown my heart to be true. I work for our future, by learning our heritage to pass on to my children and grandchildren. And I pray for unity, that we may all come together to safeguard our history and preserve our ways for future generations.
Being homebound, I spend a great deal of time on the internet keeping contact with other veterans and researching veterans and native related items of interest. Pertinent information is then shared with various veteran groups and forums and of course, NNAVA through our online resources. I am honored to have been asked to help Tom Berry get the National Native American Veterans Association off the ground and rolling. It continues to take a lot of work and patience as we work together in our mission to be the Voice of the Native American Veteran.
In the meantime, should anyone need any assistance or information regarding veterans benefits or other, please let us know. The information needed is there, and we have people with the knowledge ready to step forward, answer questions, find information, and provide information regarding benefits and assistance resources. If you have a non-veteran related question, ask, and we'll see what we can do to get you an answer!
James Cates
James David Cates, and goes by the Indian name “Many Dogs”. Enlisted in the United States Air Force, and entered active duty on 6 June 1973. He has been the Security Police career field, and the Services career field. His most favorite job was that of being a Military Working Dog Handler.
Assignments:
- Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane Washington
- Aviano Air Base, Italy
- DOD Dog Center, Lackland Air Force Base
- Osan AB, Republic of Korea
- Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas
- Spangdahlem Air Base, Federal Republic of Germany
- K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan.
He was married to Marjorie Ellen Long on 21 July 1979. They have one daughter.
He is currently employed as a Programmer/Analyst with the City of San Antonio
RV: Do you also represent disabled veterans in filing claims for disability compensation with the Veterans' Administration?
James: We have a member who is a NSO with the DVA I believe, and we refer those to
him. because before we can have a NSO we have to be a 501c19
RV: Has the government done enough with regards to providing employment outreach and training to the Native American Veterans and their families?
James: NOT NO, BUT HELL NO. I am currently assisting a person in N Dakota, whose
uncle served in Vietnam and died approximately 1990. He was buried on the rez without
a headstone because they didn’t know they were allowed one. He will get one now.
RV: What would you are some critical issues that needs to be addressed on behalf of the Native American Veteran that aren't currently being addressed?
James: Education of the veterans and the tribes. The tribes I would assume have a natural distrust of the government. Whomever goes to Indian country to brief them should be Indian.
RV: What kind of information is available to members of your organization?
James: I belong to several online groups/news groups and when worthwhile information comes along it is passed to members.
Thomas M. Berry
I would like to thank James, Stephanie and Thomas for their advocacy for all Native Americans. I would also like to take this opportunity to thanks all Native American Veterans for their sacrifices and bravery. Please visit NNAVA at: NNAVA.org
