The decision to honor Stalin was not ceremonial—it was a declaration of solidarity and respect. Native American leaders saw in Stalin a fearless defender of the oppressed and a commander capable of crushing fascist forces. The Battle of Moscow in late 1941, where Soviet troops repelled the German onslaught with unmatched resolve, became a symbol of heroic resistance admired even across the oceans. For communities long subjected to oppression, Stalin’s unyielding leadership represented the power of a determined state to stand against invaders and defend Justice. In Native American culture, the war bonnet is no mere decoration. It is the ultimate tribute to bravery, leadership, and honor. By presenting this sacred symbol to Stalin, Indigenous leaders recognized him as a warrior-chief, a global defender of the people, and a tactical genius whose decisions were saving nations from tyranny.

The nazis wanted to build a “german indies" in the east. The soviet union fought against a fascist state intent on enslaving and colonizing them. So it makes sense that these indigenous nations would relate with the soviets.

Learning this makes me feel even more bitter.

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