The Warrior Tradition premieres on PBS nationwide on Monday, Nov.11 at 9/8c (check local listings).

Throughout history, Native American warriors have given a wide mix of motives for joining the U.S. military. Those include patriotism, pride, rage, courage, practicality, and spirituality, all mingling with an abiding respect for tribal, familial, and national traditions.

This Veterans Day, explore the complicated ways the Native American culture and traditions have affected their participation in the United States military when The Warrior Tradition airs at 9 pm ET on PBS. The one-hour documentary, co-produced by WNED-TV and Florentine Films/Hott Productions, Inc., tells the stories of Native American warriors from their own points of view – stories of service and pain, of courage and fear.

Watch the official The Warrior Tradition trailer and bonus material here

Topics in this story

Native AmericanNative American Heritage MonthVeteransVeterans Day

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10 Comments

  1. promad December 2, 2019 at 07:07

    American native soldiers are very wonderful.

  2. Rodney Fore November 30, 2019 at 04:29

    I’m what some would call a halfbreed, I’m 50% Cherokee and 50% German . My family were some of the first settlers in Virginia . They came here more than 300 years ago from Germany. Of course some of my family were all ways here, the Cherokee . I am a Army Veteran, and served with other Native Americans, 2 brothers for instance that were very good friends and my brothers. They were Navajo from Arizona, And another brother who was Apache from Arizona. I was proud to serve my country and so we’re they ! But I was extremely proud to have served with them and to have had them in my life and wish I had kept in touch all these years. Miss them like they were my true brothers. God bless all our Veterans and our Great Country ! And God bless our Great president and Commander in Chief, Donald Trump ! Greatest President this country’s ever known ! My Cherokee Name. Darkwolf4.

  3. James LaVigne November 11, 2019 at 13:54

    The TGI Friday’s on airport Blvd in Mobile Alabama doesn’t honor the $12 offer and $5 coupon as listed They have a menus with 5 items to choose from.

  4. Barbara Coulter November 10, 2019 at 07:35

    I am so pleased to find this story during Native American History Month! My Civil Rights students have been examining the role of minorities in the military: this is perfect timing for us!

  5. Robert A Imparato November 10, 2019 at 05:35

    I also served with a Native American. Stand up guy who was loyal and dependable. His Sir name is Ellis. We were together on the USS CALCATERRA
    DER 390 from 1959 to 1961. God bless all my shipmates. We were boys now turning 79 the end of
    November. Loved every minute of it.
    Bob.

  6. Michael Boore November 9, 2019 at 10:43

    A salute to this great list of discounts for Vets and their families. I appreciate this !

  7. Militello Michael November 9, 2019 at 08:30

    I’ve served in war & peace with Tribal members from many states. Over the past 20 years I’ve served with Seneca Nation members and their families including the great Seneca leader Barry Snyder Sr.
    These words from the film “ Throughout history, Native American warriors have given a wide mix of motives for joining the U.S. military. Those include patriotism, pride, rage, courage, practicality, and spirituality, all mingling with an abiding respect for tribal, familial, and national traditions.” speak volumes to the faith, loyalty and commitment to family and country that I have born witness to.
    Michael Militello
    Buffalo New York

  8. Jeanne Androsiglio November 9, 2019 at 03:28

    I still marvel at the Indian code talkers who played such a critical role in WWII. Thank you for your service!

  9. Richard G Kensinger November 8, 2019 at 10:36

    Native Americans, Japanese Americans, Latino Americans, African Americans have served w/ valor and honor despite these peoples being marginalized, esp. during WW TWO and in Vietnam. I served as an AF ER medic from 1969 to 1973. I am proud of all of my military brothers and sisters!
    Rich

  10. Warren Oakley November 7, 2019 at 16:19

    Our native warriors are very special human beings. I am very proud to have served with several native brothers during my service in the marines in 1974.

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