Foundation Award for Research

I. Focus of Research

My research combines anthropological fieldwork in Native American communities and historical archival skills to produce a unique style of Ethnohistory. Foremost, I am interested in original research topics that have not been documented such as my 2021 book on Native American Code Talkers in WW I. Much of my research focuses on Native military service, veterans, and related cultural traditions in those communities. My research directly applies to teaching and service. I teach several courses on Native Americans including an Honors class on Native American Military Service and Cultural Traditions. Frequently I am asked to speak on varied aspects regarding Native American Code Talkers and Native Veterans at universities, museums, military instillations, veterans groups, Native communities, and other civic associations. I am also frequently sought to review books, manuscript submissions, and to assist with radio programs, publications, and museum displays by the National Museum of the American Indian and the US Armed Forces. My research continues to identify Native American veterans not yet recognized under the Code Talker Recognition Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-420), which my earlier Senate testimony and publications contributed to. I also conduct research on Japan and Mongolia for an upcoming manuscript and my classes.

II. Title and year of major projects

The First Code Talkers: Native American Communicators of World War I. 2021 (Book).

“Kiowa at the Battle of the Washita, November 27, 1868.” 2021 (article).

“The Code Talkers Legacy” 2020 (article for the National Museum of the American Indian).

Native American Code Talkers.” 2018. Text for the Sequoyah Institute Website.

“Native American “Warriors” in the US Armed Forces.” 2017 (book chapter).

III. Future directions of research

My immediate research continues to focus on Native Americans. I plan to finish the following projects: 1) an article on a revived Comanche warrior tradition, 2) a book manuscript on the Navajo Code Talkers and Racial Misidentification of minorities in WW II, and 3) an ethnography on the Plains Indian Handgame. I am also continuing to work on an ongoing book manuscript focusing on all Native American Code Talkers of World War II, and an article on Native American Women veterans.

IV. Topics related to your research and of interest to the broad University Community, for which you are available for presentations and/or consultations. 

I would be happy to speak on subjects including: Native American Code Talkers, Native American Veterans, Native American Cultures, Native Religion and Arts, Contemporary Native American issues, and Japanese Prehistory, culture and art.