This summer was a very busy time for The Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA). First was the planning and hosting the Meshanticut Cultural Placemaking Event, and then being invited for a second time to West Point for The Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point (BSAWP) Event being held the weekend of August 30, 2024 to September 1, 2024

For those who do not know who or what the Buffalo Soldiers were, I quote from my article of Oct. 3, 2023.

“…For those who do not know about the Buffalo Soldiers and the fact that they were freed slaves, here is some insight into who they were from Wikipedia and other sources.  “Buffalo Soldiers were United States Army regiments formed during the 19th century to serve on the American frontier that primarily comprised African Americans. On September 21, 1866, the 10th Cavalry Regiment was formed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas…”

“…The Buffalo Soldiers' main duty was to support the nation's westward expansion by protecting settlers, building roads and other infrastructure, and guarding the U.S. mail. They served at a variety of posts in the Southwest and Great Plains…”

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, FANA Chiefs Two Hawks from the Mashapaug,, Principal Chief Tureygua Taino Cay, from the Cibuco-Bayamon Clan of the Taino Tribal Nation,  Chief First Bear and their  delegations, participated in the peace ceremony at West Point military academy between the BSAWP and  the Tribes.

During that ceremony, FANA’s UN Ambassador and Minister of International Affairs, Principal Chief Dr. Ronald Yonaguska Holloway of the SandHill Band of Lenape and Cherokee Indians was awarded The Good Medicine Award by the BSAWP.

Unfortunately, due  to a serious bout of Covid, Principal Chief Yonaguska was unable to attend. However, the FANA Chiefs who were present accepted the award on his behalf.

It is important to note that this was the first award ever presented to an Indigenous Person or Tribe by any West Point Association. Last year’s event saw the first ever invitation extended to an Indigenous Federation to attend The Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point. It had been the first time FANA was recognized by the US Military.

The Good Medicine Award is an award for promoting peace and reconciliation between the Buffalo soldiers and Indigenous people. It acknowledges the healing benefits of peace which is its own medicine and healings.