What word could replace "affirms" in my paragraph?

The Cajun culture has largely been shaped by the natural environment, especially the bayous, of Louisiana. From the time of the earliest Cajun settlers in Louisiana, hunting, fishing and planting in the bayous have been the backbone of Cajun cuisine (Marshall 330). Among the typical Cajun foods that come from the bayous is frog meat (Edmonds 43). By recollecting his participation in the Cajun cultural activity of frogging in the outdoors of Acadiana and using Cajun English hunting terminology ("huntin'" [line 7], "fishin'" [lines 7, 20, 22 and 24], "shrimpin'" [line 7] and "giggin'" [lines 21 and 22]), the author affirms his belonging to the Cajun community.

I have considered "maintains", but this word doesn't sound right either. Can you please help me find the right word for this sentence? The author is not asserting his cultural identity in the face of opposition, he is just openly showing his belonging to the Cajun community.

Thank you for your help