MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- American Indian Heritage Month began Nov. 1 with a special luncheon presentation from the Pascua Yaqui Nation at the station human resources office.
The luncheon was organized by Shirley Beyer, station Civilian Career and Leadership Development adminis¬trator, to promote better work relations among station personnel in addition to celebrating American Indian Heritage Month.
“It is so important for others to understand and learn about other cul¬tures,” said Beyer. “If we are open to learning about different cultures, we can build stronger relationships and respect in understanding our wonder¬fully diverse workforce.”
Beyers said her goal for the lun¬cheon was for each attendant to learn, respect, and pass on what they learned to friends, family and co-workers.
Lunch started as Joe Valenzuela, Yaqui Nation member, taught station Department of Defense workers about his tribe with a presentation on the “talking stick,” a stick used during family meetings within the Yaqui cul¬ture, as well as other American Indian tribes.
“When cultures gather in family meetings or tribal-council meetings, the talking stick was a stick you would carry to have the floor to speak,” ex¬plained Valenzuela, who is also a Base Services Department transportation assistant.
The family stands in a circle, which represents equality among the gather¬ers and the individual with the stick talks without interruption, Valenzuela said.
“We believe when speaking with the talking stick, it’s not just a physical experience, but a spiritual one as well. It is the spirit that gives you the words, which is why everyone respects the person with the talking stick,” added the retired Marine staff sergeant.
Valenzuela also pointed out the talk¬ing stick concept has been phased into several aspects of American culture.
Even the civilian leadership pro¬gram here uses the talking stick during training, he said.
“The talking stick is a powerful communication tool that helps people with differences come to understand one another through mutual respect. This enables them to solve their dif¬ferences synergistically,” said Beyers, referring to the way it is used during leadership training.
“Anything could be your talking stick, it just represents the respect you have for each other,” said Valenzuela. “It helps you understand the people that work for you, to respect each other, to understand each other and hear what each other is saying.”
The presentation ended with view¬ings of several Yaqui Nation items including ceremony masks, flags and a drum made by Valenzuela in his youth.
It was an honor to speak to other people about the Yaqui culture, said Valenzuela.
“It makes me feel good to see people taking an interest in my culture,” said Valenzuela.
“This was the first time that (CCLD) did something for a cultural month,” said Beyer. “I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I only wish we would have had more room for more people who could have shared this.”
National American Indian Heritage Month was established August 2000 by President George Bush. It is designed to give individuals an opportunity to honor the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives and to recognize the traditions of America’s native people.
The DOD theme for this year’s American Indian Heritage Month is “Honoring Warriors: Past and Pres¬ent,” according to Marine Administra¬tive Message 652/07.
During the month Marines are en¬couraged to “celebrate the contribu¬tions and dedicated service of Native Americans, both past and present, to the country and Corps.”