ALCOAST 341/19 - NOV 2019 NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

R 041148 NOV 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05350//
ALCOAST 341/19
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ:  NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
1. Every year, during the month of November, Americans celebrate National Native
American Heritage Month. As provided by the Society of American Indian Government
Employees (SAIGE), this year's theme, “Honoring Our Nations: Building Strength
Through Understanding," recognizes the rich and diverse cultures, traditions,
histories, and important contributions of Native Americans.
2. For more than 200 years, Native Americans from various tribes have served in
the Coast Guard and its predecessor services, the Revenue Cutter Service, and the
United States Life-Saving Service. In the early 1800s, members of the Wampanoag
Tribe were hired to operate and maintain the Gay Head Lighthouse on Martha's
Vineyard, MA. Native American Coast Guard members served with distinction
during WWI and WWII. Native Americans have embodied an enduring legacy of service
to our country and in doing so, pioneered the path for inclusion and diversity.
3. The pride, commitment, and dedication of our earliest Americans is reflected
today in the uniformed and civilian ranks of our Service. LCDR Matthew M. Hobbie
from Sector Anchorage, AK is a true testimony of the understanding and lasting
partnership that exists between Native American Tribes and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Earlier this year, he was awarded the 2019 Society of American Indian Government
Employees (SAIGE) Military Meritorious Service Award for establishing and
maintaining partnerships with more than two hundred federally recognized Native
Tribes. He worked to collect their concerns on oil pollution response activities
and educated subsistence whale and walrus hunters about the fundamentals of ice
rescue.
4. The Coast Guard continues to value our long standing bond with Tribal Nations
with whom we collaborate to preserve natural resources while ensuring that
hunting, fishing, and other natural subsistence rights are protected.
5. During National Native American Heritage Month, all Coast Guard units and
commands are encouraged to participate in activities and special events that
highlight the contributions and patriotism of Native Americans in service to
our Nation. For more information about National Native American Heritage Month,
contact Mr. Juan Torres, (202) 372-4594 or Juan.L.Torres@uscg.mil.
6. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.