DC | Service and Sacrifice: Veterans Day 2026

Join the National Museum of the American Indian in honoring the enduring and distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the US military. Throughout the day, visitors of all ages can learn more about Native military service and honor veterans through presentations, a short film, hands-on activities, various information tables, and more. The Native American Women Warriors (NAWW) will present the colors to begin the day's programming with a welcome from museum leadership. Take in the exhibition Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces and watch the short film that complements the exhibition. Hear about the history and design of the National Native American Veterans Memorial on our grounds. Learn about the significance of tobacco in Indigenous cultures and make prayer ties to honor veterans. Meet with members of the Native American Women Warriors and learn about their service. Color your own Lakota star quilt as you learn about the history and significance of quilts in Plains cultures. Representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to share information and resources available for veterans and their families. Dr. Christine Sims (Acoma Pueblo), Associate Professor in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies in the College of Education & Human Sciences at the University of New Mexico (UNM) will share the stories of Pueblo men who served as Code Talkers in World War II. Ryan S. Flahive , archivist at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), will discuss the life and legacy of Native fashion designer, co-founder of IAIA, and veteran Lloyd "Kiva" New (Cherokee. 1916-2002). The lighting of the flame of the National Native American Veterans Memorial will feature an Honor Song and drum by Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) and Ralph Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo). The Native American Women Warriors will retire the colors to conclude the day's…