FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Indigenous Code Talkers with an event on Monday, Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Market of Dreams (2136 N. Fourth St). Members of the public are welcome to attend.
In appreciation of all code talkers, the event will feature an official proclamation, an informational message from Eugene “Geno” Talas, U.S. Air Force, Retired, Chief Master Sergeant and special honoring songs by Clark Tenakhongva, E-6 Staff Sergeant, three years reserves, U.S. Army. There will also be a cultural share through dances and songs from a local Hopi dance group and a light breakfast and lunch will be served to attendees.
This event is made possible through the collaboration of members of the Indigenous Commission, local youth voices, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other volunteers who have donated their time and resources.
Members of over 30 Indigenous Nations from the United States participated as Code Talkers in both World War I and World War II. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 14 as National Navajo Code Talkers Day. President Reagan also dedicated the day to honor all Native Americans who gave of their talents and their lives so that others might live. This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the over 400 young Navajo men recruited during World War II as Code Talkers. These young men made up an elite group of U.S. Marines who developed an unbreakable code using their native language. In March 2021, Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation making National Navajo Code Talkers Day a legal state holiday every year, honoring the courage of the Code Talkers and their critical role in the Allied victory of WWII.
For questions related to the Indigenous Code Talkers celebration, please contact Rose Toehe, City of Flagstaff Indigenous Affairs Administrator at Rose.Toehe@flagstaffaz.gov