Tribal citizens have until March 27 to check out “Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” at the Cultural Heritage Center.
The traveling exhibit opened at the CHC in January and will continue to be on display through March 27.
According to the “Why We Serve” website (americanindian.si.edu/why-we-serve/), the traveling exhibit “honors the generations of Native Americans who have served in the armed forces of the United States — often in extraordinary numbers — since the American Revolution.”
The exhibit gives information on Native military involvement and service from its origins to today, showing the contributions Native Americans have made to the U.S. military through our country’s history.
CHC Director Blake Norton said this is the exhibit’s last scheduled stop in Oklahoma, with it next going to the Irving Archives and Museum in Irving, Texas, before traveling to states farther away.
“Aside from the opportunity, possibly the last for many, to see such a well-researched and developed exhibition, it hits close to home for Indigenous communities,” Norton said. “The important position veterans and service members hold in communities is invaluable, on a personal, historical, cultural and spiritual level, and these unique insights are shared through the exhibition by many contributing nations. Those who have sacrificed so much should be studied, honored and celebrated.”
The exhibit is located in the Hall of Veterans and is open to the public during the CHC’s usual operating hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
“We are honored to host the stories of so many warriors, from communities throughout the United States, who have served and sacrificed, especially in the same space that we memorialize Citizen Potawatomi wédaséjek (warriors) and ancestors,” Norton said.
Looking ahead, the CHC has additional temporary exhibits planned in 2026. Watch the CHC website (potawatomiheritage.com) and social media for updates.