The Honorable Togo D. West, Jr.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs

The Gathering of Nations was honored to have the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Togo D. West, Jr. in attendance at the 1999 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. Mr. West is shown with 'Headlining Cast' members Neebling White Eye, Head Young Lady Dancer; Fancy Dancer Michael Roberts; and Samuel Begay IV, Head Young Man Dancer. Many Native and non-Native veterans greeted Mr. West and expressed their gratitude for the services that his department provides to the men and women who have and are serving in our country's armed forces.

Secretary West directs the federal government's second largest department, responsible for a nationwide system of health-care services, benefits programs, and national cemeteries for America's veterans and dependants.
Mr. West was presented with an official Gathering of Nations 1999 Pow Wow jacket by Gathering of Nations founder, Derek Mathews. Mr. West proudly wears his Gathering of Nations jacket, pictured on the right with Gathering of Nations announcer Mr. Sammy (Tonekei) White.