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The Indigenous Veterans Monument at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island, stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, service, and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans. The monument recognizes the generations of Native Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces and ensures that their contributions are honored, remembered, and shared with future generations.
The monument was made possible through the dedication of the Honoring Indigenous Veterans of Turtle Island Committee, whose members include Indigenous veterans, educators, artists, advocates, and allies, including Charles B. Smith Jr. (Seaconke Wampanoag).
The monument project was undertaken through Tomaquag Museum's Indigenous Empowerment Center (IEC), established in 2016. IEC works to strengthen Indigenous communities in Rhode Island through education, cultural competency, workforce development, economic opportunity, social justice, and community partnerships.
The monument reflects Tomaquag Museum's mission to educate the public, preserve and share Indigenous history and culture, and foster meaningful dialogue. A recipient of the 2016 Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal, Tomaquag Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to Indigenous education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
Through this enduring tribute, the Honoring Indigenous Veterans of Turtle Island Committee celebrates the legacy of Indigenous military service and invites all generations to remember and honor those who have served.
2024 Memorial Day Celebration
2024 Memorial Day Celebration
This memorial recognizes the Native Americans who have served with distinction in every major American conflict since the American Revolution. “My father served in the United States Navy and is buried in the R.I Veterans Cemetery where I am employed as a Cemetery Specialist. My father fought in three wars including: World War II, the Korean War, and in the Vietnam War. Presently, there is no monument to recognize or acknowledge or honor my father nor any other Native American veterans,” explained Charles B. Smith Jr., "Snow Bear", Seaconke Wampanoag, Co-Chair at the ceremonial opening.
The Ceremony began with Blessings by Reverend Wallace Hazard, Narragansett Prophet and Andre Gaines, Nipmuk cultural Steward and was followed by an Honor Song for all who serve, past, present and future by Thawn Harris, Narragansett Culture Bearer.
The most poignant moment was when six Veterans lead the shovel ceremony and with Alberta Wilcox, 93 year-old Narragansett elder and Army Veteran, put the first shovels to the ground while traditional cedar flute was played by a Mashantucket Pequot youth Rashad Young. All veterans participated in the Groundbreaking ceremony along with dignitaries and the Honoring Indigenous Veterans committee.
To close this unforgettable event, Quanah LaRose, Northern Ute, sang a Veterans Song to honor all Veterans, past, present and future. We are grateful for the service of our Indigenous Veterans for their protection, sacrifice and contributions!
The Douglas Construction and Narragansett Craig Spears Masonry began the construction shortly after the ceremony.
On Wednesday, July 12 over 100 people including the Honoring Indigenous Veterans Committee, Veterans, family members of Veterans, Tribal leaders, Tomaquag Museum staff, State and town leaders and the community came to the Intertribal Monument Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI.
It was a truly a historic day, as Indigenous veterans are recognized for their contributions, valor and sacrifice. “Indigenous people have the highest number per capita of service in the US Armed Forces”, said Lorén Spears, Tomaquag Museum’s Executive Director. This Groundbreaking Ceremony will bring Charles B. Smith's dream to honor the legacy of our Indigenous veterans to fruition."
Representative Camille Vella Wilkinson, member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee spoke regarding her relationship with the Native community, their sacrifice, and her commitment to serve all Rhode Islanders. Lieutenant Commander Kasim Yarn, Director of Veterans Affairs, stated the importance of this monument and the impact it will have for years to come ensuring Indigenous contributions and service are recognized. There was representation from Senator Reed’s office, Exeter Town Council, Representative Megan Cotter, and tribal dignitaries from across the region.
Maija Hill, Narragansett, who is a Veteran Service Representative for the Department of Veteran Affairs, spoke about her experience as a veteran of the US Army, being the daughter of a US Air Force Korean War Veteran, having her daughter who is currently serving in the Air Force and her son who is a veteran of the Army.
Candyce Testa, Mashantucket Pequot, a veteran of the US Air Force also spoke of the importance of this monument.
Carter A Thomas, Jr., Wampanoag spoke passionately regarding his service, the lack of representation and erasure of Indigenous service and sacrifice. He stressed the importance and historic nature of this monument. He served in the 119th Military Police Company. His overseas assignments included Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq for the Gulf War, later Panama, Hungary, Bosnia, Croatia, Germany, and Kuwait/Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. His pride for his country, service, and tribal nation was felt by all in attendance. As one person stated, “He brought me to tears”.
"Indigenous Veterans Monument of Turtle Island Monument" - Travis Partington, Oscar Mike Radio
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