Photo By Shauna C Sowersby | Naval Hospital Bremerton (Nov. 23, 2015) Staff members perform a traditional tribal...... read more read more
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shauna C. Sowersby
Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash. - Naval Hospital Bremerton staff were presented and participated in a Native American cultural celebration Nov. 23, 2015, in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
Three tribal members from the Suquamish Tribe took part in the annual celebration that included a discussion on the importance of Native American Heritage, a brief history on the Suquamish Tribe, and showcased traditional song and dance.
“It’s important to host these events because there are actually people out there who have no idea tribes still exist,” said Tina C. Jackson, Cultural Activities Coordinator for the Suquamish Tribe.
Chief Hospital Corpsman Beverly Glauber, along with the diversity committee at NHB, organized the event under the guidance of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.
“Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Robert Alisasis called local Native American tribes to find one willing to come out and teach us about the local area's native heritage,” said Glauber. “I think the rich historical ties to the local area really gave the staff and guests insight into the community around us.”
The Suquamish Tribe have lived in central Puget Sound, including Bainbridge and Blake Islands, for approximately 10,000 years. They have ranged north to Vancouver Island, west to the Pacific Ocean and east to the Cascade mountain range. The current site of NHB is also one of the original camp sites of the tribe.
Jackson, along with two other tribal women members travel throughout Washington state to host events meant to educate the local community on the history of Native American culture. There are currently approximately 950 registered tribal members; half still residing on tribal land.
Glauber said the most impactful takeaway from the event was taking time to know that everyone has a story and learning how those stories develop the community.
Several Sailors and NHB staff members attended the event and were encouraged to dance with the women after the discussion.
“We do this because we like to talk about our heritage and where we came from,” Jackson said. “Encouraging the crowd to participate keeps it fun while also being informative.”
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2015 17:46 |
| Story ID: | 183337 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 121 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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