The memorial was designed by self-taught artist Harvey Phillip Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapahoe), who is a Vietnam veteran. His design was selected from among more than 120 submissions.

Pratt recognized the importance of using concepts relatable to all Native peoples. “I can reach these Tribes through circles and pathways and cardinal points and sacred colors and song,” he said.

The memorial, adjacent to the museum’s entrance, features a winding stone path adorned by native war songs. At the end of the path, the ground is marked by concentric granite rings with entry points in the four cardinal directions. The inner ring is also a bench, surrounding a pool of water in an intricately carved stone drum. In the middle of the pool, a giant steel circle stands on its edge, with a flaming torch at its base.

“A fire in the big steel circle, which is a hole in the sky where the Creator lives,” Pratt said. “And, and we have the Earth and the air. And I thought those are things that we all use, sacred fires, sacred water.”

Fourteen-foot steel lances stand at each of the cardinal directions with rings where visitors can tie cloths for prayer and healing.

Pratt hopes Native visitors will use these elements in healing and commemoration ceremonies at the memorial.

Years ago, Pratt said many tribes would not let their warriors back into the community after they came back from fighting. They needed help first. This is a practice many Native Tribes have gotten away from.

“The medicine people went out and prayed over them blessed them and cleansed them. Native people were treating PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) a long time ago. They went out and talked to these men and women and put them in a right frame of mind and then they let them into the camp. When I came home from Vietnam, we had the same ceremonies for me.”

“Unfortunately, in American society, for the most part Native Americans are pretty invisible,” said NMAI Director Cynthia Chavez Lamar (San Felipe Pueblo). “The memorial is one way to represent, to make us visible.”

“We’ve lost lands, we’ve been disenfranchised in different ways, but at the end of the day, we’re gonna fight for this country,” she said. “I’m just thankful that the museum is able to do a little part to honor that service and to pay respect to the sacrifice [that was] made.”

Pratt says the memorial celebrates warriors who defended their land, their people and their way of life. “This is Indian Country, regardless of who says they own it. It will be Indian Country forever, in my mind.

“And a lot of Indians think the same way. Their blood is spilt all over this land, and we have spilt Native American blood all over this Earth defending this land and we will continue to defend it.”

The post A Memorial Dedicated to Native Veterans appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

This bill would improve the affordability of health care services for Native Hawaiian veterans.

This issue regarding the lack of parity for Native Hawaiian veterans as compared to other Indigenous veterans was first mentioned in my October 2023 Ka Wai Ola column, titled “Copay Exemption for Native Veterans Excludes Hawaiians.”

In addition to improving affordability, the bill would eliminate copays for Native Hawaiian veterans for care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and would enable Native Hawaiian health care systems to seek direct reimbursement from VA for care provided to Native Hawaiian veterans.

In 2023, copays were eliminated for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans receiving health care and urgent care through the VA. Additionally, Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal Health Programs, or IHS-funded Urban Indian Organizations providing care to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans are currently able to seek direct reimbursement from the VA for care rendered.

At the conclusion of the Parity Act presentation, a very fruitful discussion took place with Sen. Hirono and the group regarding the group’s priorities, such as ensuring continued access to care, the need for more peer support from other veterans, improved data collection on Native Hawaiian veterans and housing access for veterans of all ages and economic statuses.

Participants were very appreciative and thankful that the senator took time to present the Parity Act and listen to the issues of the community and that she mentioned a potential future engagement with the group. We would like to thank the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for their support in this engagement and invite the other Congressional staff to sit down and “talk story” with Native Hawaiian veterans.

The post A “Talk Story” With Sen. Mazie Hirono appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

• Unfortunately, this decision did not include Native Hawaiian veterans. How could inclusion of Native Hawaiian veterans for this rule change benefit them?
• It would allow Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to be reimbursed by the VA when eligible veterans receive services.
• It would exempt Native Hawaiian veterans from cost sharing at VA facilities.
• It would include Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems in the VA Community Care Program allowing for more immediate treatment.
• It would indirectly allow for community resources to be made available for other needs.
• It would encourage Native Hawaiian veterans to seek general VA benefits, not just for health care.

There may have been a variety of reasons why Native Hawaiian veterans were not included in this rule change, such as the topic of federal recognition, The Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, or it may be as simple as the referencing of the Indian Health Care Act for eligibility.

Regardless of the reason for non-inclusion, Sen. Mazie Hirono’s office is working on legislation for the Native Hawaiian veteran community paralleling that of the April 4 rule decision. For those who agree that Native Hawaiian veterans should also receive this benefit, I urge you to contact Hawaiʻi’s congressional representatives and share your thoughts with them.

The post Copay Exemption for Native Veterans Excludes Hawaiians appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

In June, the 2023 NAPALI cohort concluded with the addition of 12 new fellows selected from around the U.S. and the Pacific. Fellows gathered in Honolulu for a 10-day self-discovery leadership and community servant retreat.

The fellows represented professionals from a variety of fields such as academia, community service, technology and screenwriting. Pacific Islander representation among the fellows included Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan and Chamorro.

The retreat entailed intensive 14-hour-long days of presentations, workshops, and team building sessions. Presenters included professors from around the Pacific, community leaders, cultural practitioners, and business leaders, speaking on themes such as cultural identity, awareness, acceptance, and sensitivity in our personal and professional lives. These talks were excellent reminders to be mindful about keeping our cultures alive and better incorporating them into our lives – and how easy it is to fall into daily routines and let culture fall by the wayside.

Presenters also spoke on professionalism, leadership, government, and morals. In particular, a lesson on becoming a master orator by retired Judge Thomas Kaulukukui resonated with the group. Captivated by his oratorical skills and thankful for his recommendations, the cohort went on to incorporate his teachings throughout the duration of the program.

On the subject of government, passionate conversations took place. In the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific, island peoples (Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian) are important stakeholders with much to lose. Other conversations included the U.S. federal government and its capabilities past and present – a reminder that we are under the control of the U.S. government, for better or worse.

Professor Palakiko Yagodich shared a powerful story about his fishing net. His story was one of family tradition – the arc of separation from his net, native lifestyle, and being reunited. He spoke about the importance of passing traditions and culture on to the next generation. He said firmly, “I do this for my people.” And he followed up rhetorically asking, “If not me then who?”

This reinforced the idea that we need to take charge to make our communities better. The idea of community betterment could be as small as picking up trash at the beach park or as large as running for the neighborhood board. Most importantly, it requires one to be proactive.

It was comforting to learn that other Pacific Islander groups share similar issues with our Native Hawaiian community and that we are not alone. It was inspiring to meet other Polynesian community organizers and speakers who are making a difference by putting in the effort required to solve issues such as housing, employment, income, healthcare, education, incarceration, and recidivism.

When our time together ended, we boarded our metaphorical canoes to return to our communities with the ʻike acquired during the retreat. Mahalo to the NAPALI board and organizational team, and the guest speakers who donated their time and energy.

In a nation where our issues commonly go unacknowledged and fall to the wayside in the national narrative, the space NAPALI created is needed more than ever for both the truths and harsh realities to be given dialogue about the challenges faced in our Pacific Island communities.

The post Congratulations to NAPALI’s 2023 Cohort appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

Recently, in March 2023, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Hon. Denis R. McDonough, lowered the interest rates of the NADL from 6% to 2.5%, potentially saving thousands in home and land costs for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

Since the inception of the NADL program, more than 110 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) have been signed with Native Communities throughout the nation and Pacific, the Native Hawaiian Community (NHC) being one of them.

The NHC MOU exists between the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) and the federal government. DHHL land inventory is classified as “Federal Trust Land” allowing for DHHL veteran beneficiaries on the lease document to utilize the NADL benefit only for DHHL lands. Unlike the stereotypical VA loan, there is no third-party loan vendor – the VA will directly finance this loan.

The NADL allows for direct loan opportunities from the VA for both financing and refinancing toward the purchase, construction, or improvement of a home. Veterans who are interested in qualifications should check with their local or state VA resources to ensure they meet eligibility and qualification standards for enrollment.

Veterans currently with an interest rate of 3.5% or higher will be able to refinance their current loan to take advantage of the lower interest rate of 2.5%. This rate adjustment is approved for the next 24 months.

Currently, DHHL has more than 10,000 active leases with more than 4,450 actively financed. The NADL program finances more than 180 mortgage loans, roughly 4%.

The Native Hawaiian veteran community has been and continues to be at the forefront of NADL home financing; of the existing 550+ NADL loans throughout the nation, Samoa and the Marshall Islands the NHC accounts for more than 30% – far more than any other group. With 40,000 beneficiaries on the wait list and limited opportunity for financial institution financing, for those who qualify the NADL provides an excellent opportunity for home financing.

The post Rate Change for VA’s Native American Direct Loan Program appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

Although your military service is over, you still have access to a wide number of benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There are a wide range of benefits, including health care, home financing, education, burial honors and much more.

The VA has identified “veteran benefit awareness” as a common issue that prevents many qualifying veterans from receiving benefits. You, or someone you know, could be one of these veterans.

Why is this the case?

Commonly, when a veteran discharges from the military they go their own way and do not think about retaining an association to their service and/or fellow service members. This isolation creates a barrier to spreading benefit awareness.

Other issues may stem from undocumented service-connected injuries, claim denials, and a general lack of awareness, not to mention the scenarios wherein frustration is experienced when attempting to navigate complicated VA systems. For those who have endured this process, it is acknowledged that an investment of time and attention will be required to complete the VA administrative paperwork and associated processes.

What do I need?

To start, the veteran will need a copy of their DD-214 as proof of service. If the vet does not have a copy, one can be requested at www.archives.gov/veterans. Depending on the claim or benefit requested, additional paperwork may be required, such as medical records or other documentation. It is best to check with a professional counselor for guidance through this process.

Where can I go? Where can I take my vet?

The first place any veteran can go is to the VA itself. If the veteran chooses, they can utilize any other Veteran Service Organizations (VSO), such as the State of Hawaiʻi’s Office of Veterans Services, U.S. Vets, Vet Center, DAV, Wounded Warrior Project, and several others.

Currently, the Native Hawaiian community does not have its own VSO or similar entity. Other native tribe entities have allotted resources for VSO counselors who are successfully assisting their veteran community. With an overwhelming request of the community, to the different Native Hawaiian organizations, this type of service could one day become available to our Native Hawaiian veterans.

The post Accessing VA Benefits After Completing Military Service appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) formed a new committee for Native American and Native Hawaiian veterans called “The Tribal Advisory Committee.” The committee charter was signed by VA Secretary Denis McDonough on April 23, 2021, and the committee’s purpose is to provide guidance to the VA on all matters pertaining to Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, Native Hawaiian Organizations and Native American Veterans. The 16-person committee has one at-large seat and one seat reserved for Native Hawaiians.

This past October, I was honored to be selected by McDonough to sit on The Tribal Advisory Committee and represent the interests of Native Hawaiian veterans and their ‘ohana.

To promote effective communication in this new role, I will be writing a column each month in Ka Wai Ola to share news from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that is relevant to Native Hawaiian veterans – from VA information that is specific to native peoples, to general veteran benefit awareness topics.

Most Native Hawaiians have U.S. veterans in their ʻohana. So while some of the topics I will cover and the news that I will share via this monthly column may not directly apply to every reader, they may well apply to someone you love – and with regard to benefits, could tremendously affect the quality of life for the veterans in your ʻohana.

Mahalo to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for this opportunity to share.

The post Representing Native Hawaiians on the VA’s Tribal Advisory Committee appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.