BAE HONORS MIAMI INDIANS OF INDIANA
Fort Wayne Facility Honored for Support of Native Americans
In a brief ceremony at BAE Systems' Fort Wayne facility in January, the office of Gov. Mitch Daniels and members of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana recognized the company for its support of the community and Native American Indians in particular.
"BAE Systems is a vital partner in the economic success of Indiana, and is the epitome of a good corporate citizen," Daniels said in a letter that was presented to site executive Bob Hoffman by Mark Wickersham, director of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Members of the Miami Nation Drum also attended to perform some honor songs.
The event was organized by BAE Systems.Fort Wayne employee Brian Buchanan, principal chief of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana. In 2006, Gov. Daniels appointed Buchanan chairman of the Native American Indian Affairs Commission, which studies problems common to Native American Indian residents of Indiana in the areas of employment, education, civil rights, health, and housing.
"It was a great day for the commission to give recognition and acknowledgement to BAE Systems for the support they give me in providing necessary support for the commission and to the Indiana Miami themselves," Buchanan said.
Speaking about his Native American heritage and the support of his co-workers, Buchanan added: "For the people you work with every day to see who you really are down deep — it really means a lot."