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Department of Defense cancels National Native American Heritage Month
Monday, February 3, 2025
Indianz.Com
The new leader of the Department of Defense has put an end to National Native American Heritage Month in the U.S. military.
In guidance issued on January 31, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claimed that celebrations of Native American Heritage Month run counter to the “warfighting mission” of the department.
“Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution,” the guidance stated as Hegseth canceled official celebrations that reference race, gender and culture.

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
In explaining her opposition to Hegseth, Murkowski cited statements he made in the past about women serving in combat. The guidance he issued also cancels events related to Women’s History Month, set to begin on March 1. “Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation,” said Murkwoski, who is serving as chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for the 119th Congress.Since Mr. Hegseth’s nomination last November, I have met with him and carefully reviewed his writings, various reports, and other pertinent materials. I closely followed his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee and gathered substantial feedback from organizations,…
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) January 23, 2025
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