Keeping heritage, spirit alive: Ellsworth Airmen celebrate Native American Heritage Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Denise Jenson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Keeping with tradition, Ellsworth Airmen and their families observed Native American Heritage Month, which has been celebrated every November since 1990, with various events aimed to educate participants of the rich culture and heritage of Native Americans.

“This month gives people an opportunity to celebrate and honor those of Native American descent, a culture that is unfortunately dwindling,” said Staff Sgt. Natasha Wohlwend, a diagnostic imaging craftsman assigned to the 28th Medical Group. “The heritage of the many Native American tribes is starting to fade with time, so keeping the spirit and heritage alive is important.”

Wohlwend believes it is especially important to celebrate that heritage here at Ellsworth due to the large Native American population that call South Dakota home, and for many Airmen who may not know of the tribes’ rich history.

The state of South Dakota is home to nine tribes: the Cheyenne River Sioux, Crow Creek Sioux, Flandreau Santee Sioux, Lower Brule Sioux, Oglala Sioux, Rosebud Sioux, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux, Standing Rock Sioux and Yankton Sioux.

“This month is especially important to me because of my background of Turtle Mountain Chippewa,” Wohlwend said. “It not only gives me a chance to educate people and show them how beautiful the culture is, but it also gives me an opportunity to embrace my culture and meet other Native Americans.”

In addition to the children’s story time and arts and crafts, a food tasting and storytelling event took place Nov. 10. The storyteller, Daryl No Heart, a Lakota tribe native, spoke on his personal life story and why it is important to keep the culture and heritage of Native Americans from disappearing.

“The most rewarding aspect of being able to share these stories that have been passed down by my ancestors is being able to educate those who may not know of our culture,” No Heart said. “Ignorance breeds intolerance, and intolerance breeds racism. I’ve dealt with racism my whole life, and there comes a time when enough is enough.”