My organization, End Veteran Debt (EVD), has launched a campaign called Operation Debt-Day, and we believe that Indigenous military Veterans and their families are essential in their inclusion.
As anyone in Indian Country can tell you, Indigenous peoples benefit from shared identities and cultural traditions too often diminished by others. That carries over into the military experience.
Despite these obstacles, Native Americans have proven to be as committed to serving our country as any other group. According to the Library of Congress, Native Americans have served in combat at a higher rate per capita than any other ethnic group. High among the reasons for this achievement are the values that Native Americans and Indigenous people place on patriotism and a duty to country coupled with the warrior tradition within their own communities.
So far, so good. What’s the problem?
Despite congressional chest-pounding, the Native American veteran community continues to face extreme hardships due to a lack of follow-through in delivering promised benefits, both economic and medical. This militates heavily against veterans successfully transitioning back to civilian life.
It is well known that native American veterans (and their people) face higher rates of diabetes, depression, and substance abuse disorder, leading to unemployment and an increased risk of homelessness due to significant debt in all its forms.
Where am I going with this? These are “social determinant” warning signs, leading to suicidal ideation and the irrevocable, horrible act itself that needs to be addressed.
EVD, through its “Operation Debt-End” campaign and in cooperation with tribal entities and charities in a co-fundraising campaign, intends to do something about it.
“By incorporating the narratives from the Native American/Indigenous Peoples perspective into this discussion and welcoming our heritage opens the doors to eliminating the stigmas that hold our people back from seeking help,” stated Rose Davis, publisher, Black Rose Communications and Indian Voices. Davis is of African and Seminole heritage.
Providing culturally comprehensive formats that identify specific needs for its clientele is the foundation for End Veteran Debt. With a mission that is focused on “thinking globally and acting locally,” End Veteran Debt, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit private foundation, works with a growing number of veteran organizations and community charities to bring attention to the social determinants that contribute to veteran suicide and remove them. But first, you need to catch America’s attention. The unique quality of EVD’s dual platform provides the much-needed recognition to the special characteristics of the Native American community and others who have too often felt isolated and under-served in times to need.
“The point is,” says Jerry Ashton, founder of EVD, “by helping raise $50,000 to abolish $1M in veteran debt nationally while bringing in funds to meet local here-and-now financial challenges, they can be applauded for participating in a truly unique approach.”
With full cultural awareness and historical appreciation, EVD aligns with the Native communities to call attention to their long-standing patriotism, duty, and willingness to step up when required.
Bringing greater public awareness to Native veterans’ needs can attract the help required to see that this unique community will finally achieve its fair share of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
