WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 3, 2026. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has announced a free day of programming for Saturday, November 7, honoring Native American, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native veterans. Scheduled events include historical presentations, film screenings, hands-on activities and a ceremony at the National Native American Veterans Memorial.
History told through service and language
The program begins at 10:30 a.m. Eastern in the museum’s Potomac Atrium with welcoming remarks and a presentation of the colors by Native American Women Warriors, an all-Native, all-women military color guard. At 11 a.m., Acoma Pueblo scholar Christine Sims is scheduled to discuss the role of Pueblo Indigenous-language speakers in military code communications during World War II. The presentation will recognize Staff Sgt. Paul Histia Sr. of Acoma Pueblo and Joseph R. Day of Laguna Pueblo.
A 1 p.m. discussion led by Ryan S. Flahive will explore how World War II service shaped Lloyd ‘Kiva’ New’s later work in design and Native arts education. The museum says both talks will be livestreamed.
Film, remembrance and public participation
The museum plans two screenings of Why We Serve, activities related to remembrance and cultural traditions, and opportunities to explore existing exhibitions. At 3 p.m., organizers plan to light the flame at the National Native American Veterans Memorial, with the retiring of colors scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
The memorial was commissioned by Congress to recognize Native military service. The museum describes the November 7 observance as free and open to the public, without advance reservations. Times and program details remain subject to change.
Culture and continuing memory
What makes this gathering more than a conventional commemoration is its attention to the connections between service, Indigenous language, creative expression and historical preservation. Exhibitions and oral history can preserve experiences that broad military summaries overlook.
Source and attendance
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, November 2, 2026. Program details are an announcement, not a report that the November 7 event has already taken place.
Photography note: The featured image and accompanying photograph-style artwork are conceptual editorial illustrations, not images captured at the event or location described. They are used for context, not as evidence.
