Nov. 22, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 146
DAILY DIGEST
Sailors Step Up for Native American
and Alaska Native Heritage Month Story and Photos by MCSN (SW) Siobhana R. McEwen
N
ovember is Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Both big Navy and Nimitz have set aside time to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of individuals in the Native American and Native Alaskan communities. Two Sailors in particular have decided to step into the limelight to honor their ancestors. Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Angela Avila grew up in Manteca, Calif. She said she remembers being made fun of a lot as a kid for being Native American. Avila’s mother is Navaho, and her father is Kickapoo. Avila said she joined the Multicultural Committee because she wanted to combat stereotypes others have about Native Americans. “People ask me, ‘what’s your spirit animal’ or ‘do you live in a teepee?’” Avila said. “I’ve even been asked if I pay taxes. I don’t even know what
a spirit animal is, I don’t live in a teepee, and yes, I pay taxes.” Even though she grew up several hours away from Navaho country, Avila said her mom worked hard to teach her and her siblings Navaho culture. One of the biggest aspects
of the culture Avila connected with was native dance. It’s also her weapon of choice for fighting off stereotypes about Native Americans. Avila has been dancing since she was 4 or 5 years old. Over the past 18 years, she has travContinued on page 3