The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California Thursday donated $1.5 million to National Native American Veterans Memorial. The gift is the largest single contribution to the project, and completes fundraising for the memorial on the grounds of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
The donation completes fundraising for the memorial, which is open but will be formally dedicated November 11, 2022.
“We are incredibly grateful to Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria for their generous support of the National Native American Veterans Memorial,” said Machel Monenerkit, acting director of the National Museum of the American Indian, in a statement. “Gifts like this have enabled the museum to create a memorial that will serve as a lasting reminder of the service and sacrifice of Native Veterans and their families.”
The memorial was commissioned by Congress to highlight and commemorate Native Americans who served in U.S. Armed Forces, and is the first national landmark in Washington, D.C. to focus on contributions by American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians in the military.
The memorial was designed by Harvey Pratt of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, a multimedia artist, retired forensic artist, and Marine Corps Vietnam veteran.
“Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are proud and happy to be able to donate $1.5 million to the National Native American Veterans Memorial,” said Chairman Greg Sarris in a statement. “This gift reinforces our strong commitment to honor the many American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian veterans who have served this country in the armed forces.”
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria joins six other tribes and organizations in the Leadership Circle of donors for the $15 million memorial. Those donors include the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes; the Chickasaw Nation; Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Poarch Band of Creek Indians; San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
The memorial also received support from tribal governments and tribal veterans organizations, and from individuals, corporations, foundations and other organizations.
