Shawano resident Jamie Awonohopay, who served in the Army Reserves from 1996-2002, was among the members of the Native American Women Warriors participating in the Menominee Nation pow-wow for the first time Saturday and Sunday.
The NAWW was founded in 2010 in Florida to bring attention to women serving in the armed forces, especially Native American women.
“Just by being part of it is an honor,” Awonohopay said. “It’s a good opportunity to raise awareness of women in the military, especially Menominee women.”
She marched alongside NAWW founder and Army veteran Mitcheline Bigman, of Colorado, and Sarah Baker, of Oklahoma, who served in the Marines, during Sunday’s grand entry.
“This is the first year they have attended a Gathering of Warriors pow-wow here in Keshena,” arena director John Teller Jr. said. “They honor us with their presence and honor the women who served in the military.”
Awonohopay joined the Army Reserves after graduating from Menominee Indian High School. While serving, she was in the Secret Service Uniformed Division, guarding facilities in Washington, D.C.
She moved back to the area in 2008 and is employed at the Community Resource Center in Keshena.
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