“We need only look to our Navajo Code Talkers during World War II to see the value that Native languages bring not only to their culture, but to the security of all Americans.”
-Rick Renzi, Former United States Representative
Learn more about the Navajo Code Talkers:
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National Museum of WWII History: "American Indian Code Talkers"
The idea of using American Indians who were fluent in both their traditional tribal language and in English to send secret messages in battle was first put to the test in World War I with the Choctaw Telephone Squad and other Native communications experts and messengers. However, it wasn’t until World War II that the US military developed a specific policy to recruit and train American Indian speakers to become code talkers….
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Vantage Point: "WWII Navajo Code Talker discusses legacy"
More than 400 qualified Navajo Code Talkers served during WWII and only four are still living. Marine Corps Veteran Peter MacDonald (pictured above) is one of those four. He continues to share his story and experience as a Navajo Code Talker.vMacDonald served in the Marine Corps from 1944 to 1946. After joining, he was sent to training with other Navajo service members…..
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CNN: "A new state holiday in Arizona will honor the Navajo Code Talkers"
The story of the Navajo Code Talkers, who played a vital role in US victories during World War II by using their native language to send coded messages, will be memorialized in Arizona with a new state holiday. Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation on Monday that will honor the Code Talkers every year on August 14…
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KRTV 3: "The journey documenting Navajo Code Talkers"
For nearly 50 years, Kenji Kawano has been photographing the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II throughout America's southwest.v"It became my life's work," Kawano said. It's a lifelong project that began with a ride from a stranger while hitchhiking on the Navajo Nation.