Native peoples have, for generations, served in the United States Armed Forces at higher rates per capita than any other racial or ethnic group. From the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts, Native Americans have defended this land with deep resolve, guided by a legacy of bravery, honor, and an unshakable sense of duty. 

At the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center, we’ll explore the history and complexity of Native American military service this summer in Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. Developed by the Smithsonian and the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), the exhibition poses this direct question: “Why would Indians serve a country that overran their homelands, suppressed their cultures, and confined them to reservations?” While the answer varies by individual, we hope the exhibition creates an opportunity for reflection and dialogue around these issues. 

In addition to materials provided by the Smithsonian, we’re honored to include stories, photos, and belongings of Native veterans and veteran-serving organizations across Colorado and northern New Mexico. In particular, we’re grateful for the Jicarilla Apache Veterans Group, Native American Women Warriors (NAWW), Southern Ute Veterans Association, and numerous other individuals for generously sharing their time and insight for this project.  

The exhibition will only be here through August 31, so we hope you come visit us this summer and help us mark our 75th year of sharing Colorado’s stories!