Native Voice One Podcast

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It’s easy to be optimistic about the prospects for American Indian and Alaska Native candidates in this election and beyond. Our numbers are growing, organizations are getting stronger, and, best of all, the most remarkable, talented people are giving elective office a shot.

But we also hear people say this about elections: What happens when good people lose?

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My Facebook feed is rolling from new feeds from those headed to North Dakota to join those protecting drinking water for the people of Standing Rock and Cheyenne River. Other folks are fundraising using a variety of social media tools. And, still more people are shipping food and supplies to the hundreds camped near the site.

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This is Trahant Reports.

So the data show that the vast majority of Native Americans vote for Democrats. And most run for office as Democrats. Of the active candidates on my #NativeVote16 boards there are 75 Democrats, 14 Republicans, and 4 independents.

If you look at history, there are a lot more American Indians and Alaska Natives who have won office under the Republican banner. That list includes: Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Northern Cheyenne, who joined the Republican Party after his election; Vice President Charles Curtis; as well as the only current members of Congress, Tom Cole and Markwayne Mullin.

The Republican Party platform says: “Based on both treaty and other law, the federal government has a unique government-to-government relationship with and trust responsibility for Indian Tribal Governments …These obligations have not been sufficiently honored.”

Oklahoma’s U.S. Rep. Cole is perhaps the most senior and respected Republican who’s also a member of a tribe. “As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, I am very proud of my heritage … I am committed to advocating on behalf of Native Americans in Congress.”

Cole’s advocacy is routine and powerful. He was instrumental in the 2013 enactment of the Violence Against Women Act because he gave cover to Republicans who voted for the measure

Cole has called for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and, at the same time, has consistently said the United States government has “fallen behind” in its funding of the Indian health system. He often advocates for spending more on Indian health throughout the budget and appropriations process.

Perhaps the strongest case that Republican candidates for office make to Native American voters is that they will be inside the room when the party makes decisions on American Indian issues. Rep. Bruce Meyer of the Montana Legislature said he was able to convince Republicans to support tribal water compacts with the state. “We need friends on both sides,” he said. “It’s good that I am on the other side of the aisle. I tell people that I am out to get the best deal for American Indians no matter which party because that’s my constituency.”

There is one question that every Republican has to answer this election: What do you think about your party’s nominee for president?

Rep. Cole, who is an important voice for party leadership, says that’s really not an issue. He said on NBC: “This is a choice. It’s a choice between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump …  and, frankly, if you’re a Republican that’s a pretty easy choice.”

Then again not every Native American candidate is quite so eager to embrace Donald Trump.

I am Mark Trahant reporting.

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This August there are eight Native American candidates for the U.S. House and Senate. But that number is likely to shrink when the month comes to a close.

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U.S. Surgeon General visits Alaska to address opioid addiction

Tribal conference focuses on food sovereignty and sustainability

Young people rally to protect water after nearly 2,000 mile journey

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Ojibwe storyteller Jim Northrup remembered for toughness and sense of humor

Indian Bowl historical site to be restored by Lac du Flambeau Band in Wisconsin

Student from Kenai Peninsula in Alaska talks summer STEM program benefits

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South Dakota’s attorney general files charges against two men involved in plans for tribal marijuana resort

Oregon county official hopes federal government approves two place names over ones picked by tribes

Sundance highlights group of Native artists invited to join Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

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First Nation declares state of emergency after oil and chemical spill

Criminal investigation underway into Gold King Mine waste spill

Ojibew storyteller Jim Northrup has passed away

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Hillary Clinton’s acceptance of the Democratic nomination for president last week sent a message that traveled far beyond the convention hall in Philadelphia.

It was a story told in hundreds of tweets from mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles, and those who make up a larger American family. So many beautiful tweets that showed a daughter watching television at the moment Clinton walked on stage.

One second, one idea, one moment, that said so much about what’s possible.

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Family of Navajo woman killed by police protest after no charges filed against officer

Yakama Nation man picked as chair of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

Minnesota tribes host annual run to promote sobriety from Red Lake to Fond du Lac

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