AUGUSTA — The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services and the VA Maine Healthcare System will cohost the state’s first-ever Wabanaki cultural awareness training, focusing on the service of Maine’s Native American veterans and service members, on Thursday, Dec. 5. The training will be from 1 to 3 p.m at VA Maine Healthcare System, Theater, Building 210.
As part of the presentation, Donald Soctomah, tribal historic preservation officer for the Passamaquoddy tribe will speak on the topic of Maine Native American history and the role Native American veterans have had in the U.S. military.
Following Soctomah’s presentation, there will be a screening of “Underground Cities – The Secrets of World War I,” a film recounting the early part of Worl War I and the Yankee Division of New England. A brief question and answer session will be held after the film.
“The bureau’s mission is to serve all of Maine’s veterans,” said Sarah Sherman, director of strategic partnerships for MBVS. “It’s our hope that by providing cultural awareness training to our community partners, we will be better able to serve our Native American veterans. We hope to use this event as an opportunity to give voice to a group of veterans that has proudly served their country.”
Over the past few months, MBVS has forged new partnerships with Native American tribes across the state in an effort to improve services and collaborate at veterans’ events.
MBVS and VA Maine are committed to providing quality care and service to all veterans. It is the Bureau’s mission to ensure that each and every veteran who walks through the door receives the attention and assistance they deserve.
To learn more about available resources for veterans and their families, contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-430-6035 or visit www.maine.gov/Veterans.
