Chapter 6: Survival
Hard Times and Racism
After World War II, most American Indian Code Talkers returned to communities that were having difficult economic times. Jobs were scarce, and so were opportunities for education or job training. Racism toward Indian people was common and even though they had served their country with distinction, Indian veterans could not eat or drink in some establishments—or even vote in some national or state elections. To overcome these challenges, Code Talkers had to be as resourceful as they had been during the war.
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Jobs and Opportunities for Veterans
War was hard on the entire American economy. Food and gasoline were rationed, and many basic items were in short supply. After the war, many returning veterans found it difficult to find jobs. Most American Indian reservations and communities are located in rural areas where there are few jobs even during normal economic times. Unemployment and poverty levels had long been high for American Indians, but it was even worse after the war. Life was very difficult for many World War II American Indian veterans.
Some of the returning Code Talkers stayed in their home communities and farmed, ranched, fished, and did whatever kinds of work they could find. Others had to move to larger urban areas where jobs were more plentiful. Many veterans took advantage of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 (better known as the G.I. Bill) to go to college or get vocational training.
The Code Talkers accomplished many things during their post-war lives. Some became leaders in their communities and participated in the tribal governments. They became educators, artists, and professionals in a variety of fields. Others were active in the cultural lives of their tribes. Some worked to help preserve their languages. Teddy Draper Sr., a Navajo Code Talker during World War II, taught the Navajo language at Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona.
Racism has long been an obstacle for American Indian people to overcome. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted full United States citizenship to all American Indians. However, some states still refused to let American Indians vote. Arizona and New Mexico (in 1948), followed by Utah (1957), were among the last states to allow American Indians to vote.
After I came back, back home. Still no job, no work, so, back to the railroad again. I worked on the railroad and I found out they were only short-time jobs. Went to Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas. Took a course in refrigeration and electrical wiring, house wiring.
And mind you, to put the record straight...it was such a hard time when we came back from the service.
6.2 Carl Gorman After the War
After the war, Carl Gorman rediscovered his love for drawing and studied at the Otis Art Institute in California. Afterwards, he drew technical illustrations for an aircraft company and later became a successful artist. Mr. Gorman also became more involved in his Navajo culture. He painted scenes of his Navajo homeland and the culture of his people. He and other members of the Navajo Club in Los Angeles helped organize shipments of food and clothing to the Navajo Reservation, where there was poverty and unemployment after the war.
Eventually, Mr. Gorman became a college professor at the University of California at Davis. He also returned to his beloved homeland and worked for the Navajo government to document traditional Navajo culture. Later in life, he was an administrator at the Navajo Community College (now Diné College). Carl Gorman loved working with young students. He encouraged them to be proud of their heritage and to find the right path for their lives.
There are a thousand paths you can take in life. But there is only one right one...When you’re on the right path, you’ll know it.
6.3 Charles Chibitty After the War
After the war, Charles Chibitty returned home to Oklahoma. He furthered his education and became a glazier, a craftsman who installs glass windows in homes and buildings. Mr. Chibitty had always been proud of his American Indian identity and remained closely connected to his Comanche culture throughout his life. He danced in Gourd Dances, which are special dances that honor veterans. He was also a long-time champion Fancy Dancer in powwow contests throughout the country. Mr. Chibitty strongly believed that it was important to preserve his language and culture. His adopted daughter Carrie Wilson said, “He tried to teach Comanche to whomever showed an interest in it.” (Rudi Williams, “Last World War II Comanche Code Talker Laid to Rest,” 2005)
Reflection and Discussion Questions
What challenges and opportunities did Code Talkers encounter after the war?