Native American Heritage Month Luncheon 2017

Fort Hunter Liggett celebrates Native American Heritage Month with a special event at the historic Hacienda featuring Native American speakers and a sampling of traditional foods, Nov. 30. Susan Latta, Salinan Tribe Council member, and her daughter Barbara Tavena said that even though the Salinans are not federally recognized, the tribe has many military Veterans to its credit. Col. Kerry Norman, garrison commander, spoke about her heritage as both Cherokee and Metis, and showed a stick used to âcount coupâ on an enemy. She also talked about regalia worn during pow-wows, and said if a sacred eagle feather falls from the regalia, it is retrieved by a Veteran in a solemn manner before the pow-wow can resume. The tribe and the commander set up displays of Native American items, such as a clubs, headdress and beaded purses, as well as photos of Veteran tribe members. -- U.S. Army Reserve photo by Cindy McIntyre, Fort Hunter Liggett