Pearl Celebrates Native American Heritage

December 09, 2009
By MidWeek Staff
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive

| RSS |

Del.icio.us

Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) - Commander, Navy Region Hawaii celebrated Native American Heritage month Nov. 25 at the Ford Island Conference Center.

The celebration consisted of speeches, music and cultural dances that promoted the Native American heritage and the importance of diversity in today’s society.

“There [is] so much diversity within the Native American community and it’s really important to not minimize or discount any of the differences, ethnic subcultures,” said Senior Chief Engineman (SW/AW) Sidney Cover-son, CNRH equal opportunity adviser, who coordinated the event. “Once we come together, we can learn to appreciate all of the cultures and everything that everyone brings to the table.”

The nation was called to celebrate Native American and Alaskan Native heritage during the month of November following President Barack Obama’s proclamation Oct. 30.

“So much of our culture is used in daily activities of America,” said keynote speaker Army Sgt. Phillip Cornejo, Hawaii National Guard diversity manager. “Diversity is about teaching heritage, teaching culture - trying to bridge gaps and at the same time trying to heal and bring us all together.”