Native Americans have served in the U.S. armed forces at some of the highest rates of any group, shaping the nation’s history through generations of courage and commitment.

That is why Hoċokata Ṫi is proud to host the traveling exhibit, “Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces,” from January 7-April 4, 2026. “Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” was produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. The exhibit tells personal stories of Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Native veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces and brings long overdue recognition to those who have served their country selflessly and with honor for more than 250 years.

Visitors will learn about the origins of Native American military service, how Indigenous languages were used to win battles, the service of Native women during World War II, and the heroics of Native Americans from the Civil War through conflicts in the Middle East.

In conjunction with the exhibit, Hoċokata Ṫi will also honor veterans of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and other Dakota tribes.

“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and are honored to host this powerful exhibit at Hoċokata Ṫi,” said Director of Hoċokata Ṫi Andy Vig. “This exhibit shares a history that is unknown to many people—a history that resonates deeply within our tribal communities—and we are grateful for the opportunity to share it with our visitors.”

“Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” opens at Hoċokata Ṫi on January 7. The cultural center is open Wednesdays-Saturdays from 9am-4:30pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

While visiting, guests may also explore Dakota history through the Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake public exhibit at regular admission rates. Active military members and veterans receive free admission to the Hoċokata Ṫi exhibit during the “Why We Serve” exhibit’s run. Plan your visit to Hoċokata Ṫi by visiting hocokatati.org.

This is the second traveling exhibit to visit Hoċokata Ṫi. In fall 2024, Hoċokata Ṫi hosted “We Are Water MN,” a project of the Minnesota Humanities Center and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in collaboration with other state agencies and partners.

To learn more about the “Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” traveling exhibit, visit americanindian.si.edu.

Photo: In this historic photograph by Joe Rosenthal, taken on February 23, 1945, five Marines and a Navy corpsman raise a U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the battle for the island of Iwo Jima in World War II. Corporal Ira Hayes (Pima, 1923–55) is on the far left. National Archives photo no. 520748