Native American veterans find comfort together in their service and in their culture

SOUTH GATE (KABC) — From the ground up, these are the sights at the 20th Annual Native American Veterans and Heritage Veterans Pow-Wow at South Gate.

From drumming to dancing, crafts to food, the pow-wow is a celebration of Native American culture.

The event is organized by the Native American Veterans Association, also known as NAVA, a non-profit organization that offers assistance to all Native American and non-Indigenous veterans and their families.

“Native Americans play a very important role in our military,” said City of South Gate councilman Gil Hurtado.

Here culture is shared through storytelling. It is an important healing aspect of the social and spiritual gathering.

“Many prayers go out to the veterans who are still fighting and those who have passed. We are here to support them,” said Army Veteran Keith H. Vielle.