Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces
Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces
On display through Jun 30, 2021 at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
“Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” is currently on view. This new traveling exhibition highlights the generations of Native Americans who have served in the United States military.
Native people have served for the same reasons as anyone else: to demonstrate patriotism or pursue employment, education, or adventure. Many were drafted, but tribal warrior traditions, treaty commitments with the United States, and responsibility for defending Native homelands have also inspired the enduring legacy of Indigenous military service.
“Why We Serve” commemorates the National Native American Veterans Memorial, dedicated at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. The 16-panel exhibition is on loan from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian through June 2021.
Also on exhibit at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
New Mexico CulturePass
Your ticket to New Mexico's exceptional Museums and Historic Sites.
From Indian treasures to space exploration, world-class folk art to awesome dinosaurs—our museums and monuments celebrate the essence of New Mexico every day.
More Info »
Encounter Culture
Take a look inside the museums and historic sites of New Mexico without leaving home. Join host Charlotte Jusinski, and a variety of guest curators, artists, and exhibitors in exploring the art and culture of the state in Encounter Culture, a new podcast from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Featured DCA Exhibitions
New Mexico Colonial Home - Circa 1815
The Spanish colonial home (la casa) gives visitors an idea of what a home from the time around 1815 would have looked
more »
The Santos of New Mexico
As part of our Highlights from the Collection: The Larry and Alyce Frank Collection of Santos (saints), in the Palace
more »
The First World War
The First World War exhibition investigates the contributions of New Mexicans to the war, through letters,
more »
