Spirit Warriors: A Legacy of the Navajo Veteran

Spirit Warriors: A Legacy of the Navajo Veteran is a 2008 documentary directed by Rich Dombroksi, which tells the story of Navajo veterans who fought in World War II using their own words, experiences and memories.

The film mainly focuses on three Navajo veterans, Joe Kieyoomia, Samuel Holiday, and Roy Hawthorne, who were among the 400 Navajos who were trained to be code talkers during the war, using their native language to communicate vital military information that the Japanese could not decipher. Through these veterans' stories, the film explores how their Navajo identity and culture contributed to their service in the war.

The documentary begins by introducing the Navajo Nation and its history, highlighting its role as the largest Native American tribe in the United States. The film explains how the Navajos, despite facing oppression and forced assimilation policies by the US government, have maintained strong cultural ties to their land and traditions.

The focus then shifts to the Navajo veterans' experiences in World War II. Through archival footage, photographs and interviews with the veterans, we learn about the challenges and sacrifices they faced during the war. The veterans recount how they were recruited to be code talkers, how they had to undergo rigorous training, and how their work was highly classified.

Perhaps the most poignant part of the film is the veterans' reflections on the emotional toll of war, and how their Navajo beliefs and spirituality helped them cope. Roy Hawthorne speaks candidly about the trauma of seeing his comrades killed in battle, and how he found solace in his Navajo identity. He describes how he prayed to the Creator for protection, and how he developed a sense of brotherhood with his fellow Navajo soldiers.

Through the veterans' stories, Spirit Warriors highlights the complex relationship between the Navajo culture and the American military. While the code talkers were instrumental in helping the US win the war against the Japanese, the film acknowledges the tension that existed between the Navajo code talkers and the non-Native military personnel. For example, the film touches on how the code talkers' command of their own language was initially viewed with suspicion, and how their cultural practices were often misunderstood by their non-Navajo colleagues.

The documentary also explores how the Navajo veterans returned home after the war, and how they struggled to reintegrate into their communities. The veterans speak about the challenges they faced in finding employment and accessing support services, and how they had to deal with racism and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, the veterans also talk about how they brought their experiences back to their communities, inspiring younger Navajos to serve in the military, and to feel a sense of pride in their Navajo identity.

Overall, Spirit Warriors: A Legacy of the Navajo Veteran is a moving and insightful film that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of American history. Through the voices of Navajo veterans, the film commemorates their service and sacrifices, while also celebrating the endurance of Navajo culture and spirituality. In doing so, the film contributes to a larger conversation about the role of Native Americans in the US military, and the continued struggles they face in finding dignity and justice in American society.