Feb 22, 1942 - “The Indians know more than any of us what freedom means. They knew it in other years when they fought against overwhelming odds to save lands from the white man.”

Patriotic Indians

      As in the last war, thousands of American Indians again are demonstrating their patriotism.

      The desk of John Collier, able chief of the Office of Indian Affairs, is stacked with letters from every tribe in the country, pledging aid and offering to make fresh sacrifices for the war effort. Here are a few examples:

• Immediately after the declaration of war, the Crow Indians of Montana voted $10,000 of tribal funds to President Roosevelt to 'use as you see fit.' They also voted to place in the President's hands the entire resources of their 2,000,0000-acre reservation, including mineral, oil and coal deposits, plus all available manpower for combat service.
• The Creeks of Oklahoma have set aside $400,000 of tribal funds for the purchase of defense bonds. Other tribes voting large sums for the same purpose include the Jicarilla Apaches and Pueblos of New Mexico, the Euchee and Seminole Indians of Oklahoma, and the Navajos.
• Not to be outdone, the Colvilles of Washington State, the Cheyenne’s and Arapahos of the Plains and the Nez Perce Indians have announced they will not press for settlement of tribal claims against the government while the war lasts. 

Following the Jap attack there was a big rush among Indian youth at every reservation to enlist, especially in South Dakota. Only three of the 46 North Carolina Cherokees in the Army were drafted. The rest volunteered.

      Note: The patriotic response of Indians may surprise the average American, but not Collier. He says: “The Indians know more than any of us what freedom means. They knew it in other years when they fought against overwhelming odds to save lands from the white man.” 

1942 Feb 22, Democrat and Chronicle