This Veterans Day, November 11th, Native Bidaské host Levi Rickert sits down with Dean Dauphinais, the executive director of the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV), for a conversation about the challenges facing Native veterans and the work being done to advocate for them.
The episode will examine how NAIV uses its status as a congressionally chartered Native American veterans service organization to advocate directly to Congress for legislation, funding and programs that address the needs of Native veterans.
Although Native Americans serve in the military at higher per capita rates than any other racial or ethnic group, Native veterans continue to face significant disparities, including disproportionately high rates of homelessness and suicide. Dauphinais will discuss how NAIV is working to address those challenges and strengthen the resources available to Native veterans.
A recent development came during the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) gathering in Palm Springs, California, where NAIV successfully advanced three resolutions. The resolutions primarily focused on reinstating the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tribal Advisory Committee, which would provide a direct channel for Native veteran advocates to communicate with VA leadership.
The discussion will also address NAIV’s efforts to expand its membership and regional leadership network. Dauphinais says building a stronger national presence is essential to increasing the organization’s ability to advocate effectively on behalf of Native veterans. Individual annual memberships are $25. Veterans interested in joining or learning more about the organization’s work can visit naivets.org.
The episode will also recognize the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps, observed Nov. 10, and reflect on the service and sacrifices of Native Americans in the armed forces. As Veterans Day provides an opportunity to recognize those who have served, Dauphinais has a message for fellow Native warriors: stay in the fight, lean on your battle buddies and never be too proud to ask for help.
Watch Native Bidaské on Wednesday, November 11th, at 12 p.m. ET on Facebook, YouTube, NativeNewsOnline.net, and TikTok.