WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The National Congress of American Indians strongly condemned on Saturday U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to allow soldiers to keep medals awarded for their roles at the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee, an event which many historians consider a massacre.

“Celebrating war crimes is not patriotic. This decision undermines truth-telling, reconciliation, and the healing that Indian Country and the United States still need.” Larry Wright Jr., the Congress’ executive director, said in a statement.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )

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