Native Americans and the Democratic Party
Over the past six years, Americans have witnessed a systematic deterioration and near dismantling of Native American programs by the Republican Congress and the Bush Administration. From Head Start to healthcare, from law enforcement to small business; funding for key Native American programs has not kept up with the needs of Indian Country or fulfilled the trust responsibility of the federal government to tribal governments and urban Indians. Tribal governments are working hard to find creative ways to maintain programs that are key to the well-being and growth of their communities, but they need help. The present Republican Administration and Congress have created an environment that undermines Indian Country’s forward progress.
Democrats promote economic self-sufficiency for Indian tribes and work to ensure that Native Americans have access to the best schools, health care and housing. The Democratic Party supports tribal sovereignty and wants to work with Native Americans to empower their communities to take action.
The Democratic Party has worked to establish a place at the table for Native Americans and now wishes to secure for them a place on the ticket. We are working with Native people to expand the roles they play in the state and national party organizations, and we fully support Native participation in the electoral process, not just as voters but as candidates. The Democratic Party fully supports Native Americans participation in the electoral process. Native American values are those of the Democratic Party: taking care of those who need a helping hand and giving a voice to those who have not had representation.
In this regard, the Party is mindful of the disproportionate number of Native men and women who have answered our nation's call to arms in times of conflict and how their service and sacrifice supported the common good. The Party remains committed to giving voice to those who have so clearly earned it and to giving a helping hand to those who wish to speak to the future of their children and of our Nation. It is only right!
Politically, Native Americans are an increasingly important swing vote in many states. The Democratic Party recognizes the power of the Native vote. The DNC has hired Native American coordinators in key states and held several campaign worker training sessions for Native Americans.
Now is the time for Native Americans to say “Enough is Enough.” Elect Democrats to office who care about Native American issues and who support tribal sovereignty. Native Americans have the power to influence the outcome of key races this November.
The Democratic Party and Native Americans will work together to register new Native American voters and get those voters to the polls on Election Day. A Democratic Congress will fully fund Native American programs, support tribal sovereignty and fulfill the federal government’s responsibility to provide equal access to education, healthcare, jobs, housing and economic development.
