1st Infantry Division Equal Opportunity, Fort Riley, hosted an annual observance in honor of National Native American Indian Heritage Month Nov. 16 at Riley’s Conference Center.
The event featured the Royal Valley Native American Singers and Dancers, the Haskell Veterans Color Guard, and members of the First Infantry Division Band. The Royal Valley Native American Singers and Dancers have kept tradition alive for almost two decades in Jackson County, Kansas. The group is composed of students in grades K-12 in the Royal Valley School system of U.S.D. #337. Several members of the group are members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
National Native American Heritage Month begins Nov. 1 each year to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of this country's original inhabitants, explorers and settlers.
Throughout the Army's history, Native Americans have served valiantly and with distinction in times of peace and war, while also fighting for the right to be an equal part of the nation. We recognize their rich heritage and honor their spirit and true devotion to this land. This year’s theme is “Serving Our Nations.”