"A Candidate Who Will Respect Us"
August 19, 2008
First Americans are going to have a big impact on the 2008 election. According to a recent article by the Native American Times , this year it is estimated that there will be over 150 Native American delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. This is an increase from just seven in 2000.
Barack Obama is committed to First Americans’ issues and challenges, and he is vigorously working to earn their support in this election. At a recent UNITY journalism conference in Chicago, Obama said of his First American apology position, "I personally would like to see the tragic elements of our history acknowledged. We’ve got some sad things to account for."
First Americans are excited to have a candidate on their side.
Abrum of Duluth, Minnesota says:
Being a Native American young person I think brings a very unique perspective to the table. I believe Barack shares my perspective. He believes in a new beginning for America. A time when we can change the way Washington politics affects our lives so we as Americans feel like the government is by the people for the people. Barack is the only candidate that has showed support for the indigenous peoples of North America. Retaining our sovereignty, and moving forward to better our people after many decades … is something that I believe Barack will help us achieve. Barack is an open-minded individual who is very driven, and is willing to go the distance to make sure that not only Native Americans, but all people have fair and equal opportunities in this country.
Myrna in Anchorage, Alaska says:
I am a Tlingit & Haida Indian. Our people have spent hundreds of years listening to politicians. Obama is a man of integrity and believes in giving respect. Alaska Natives and American Indians have the opportunity to unite behind a candidate who will respect us, honor our treaties and give us a voice in the White House. We deserve a president who can truly say he understands growing up a minority. I am honored to support him and ask you to join us in standing for a change and unite our country.
Michelle in Portland, Oregon says:
I am very fortunate to have met Barack Obama in WDC, and also as part of a tribal delegation of 10 native people in Portland, Oregon in September 2007. He was charismatic, and interested in the issues of Indian Affairs which are important to me as a Navajo woman. Protecting Tribal sovereignty, honoring the government-to-government relationship, and also working to provide quality health care to all, including native people. After meeting him, and reviewing his platform for tribal people, I feel confident that his inspiration, his energy, and his concerns for tribal people as partners in his Administration are sincere and what I need in a President. Join me, and support Obama in ‘08. Can we make change as Native people in this Electoral Process? To quote Obama, "Yes, we can!"
Charles in Washington DC:
As a member of the Navajo Nation and as an attorney working in tribal policy I’ve seen only the same old ideas on improving life for Indian Country rehashed and restated by a successive line of Presidents. In fact, there have been no great efforts from a President that have shown concrete results for Indian Country since the Nixon Administration and the beginning of the era of Self Determination. Barack Obama represents Indian Country hope to be brought back into the political process. Great ideas have always existed in Indian Country but what has been lacking is the commitment of the administration to listed to them and muster the political will to carry them out. Barack Obamaís positions on civil rights, bringing excluded people back into the political process and the ideas expressed on his webpage for First Americans demonstrate his commitment to being the leader that Indian Country needs in the White House. As a Senator from a State with no recognized tribes, the commitment he has shown to Indian Country by trying to increase funding for IHS and by being the only Presidential candidate to support the Indian Health Care Improvement Act from the beginning as an original co-sponsor demonstrate his deep conviction and true commitment to Indian Country.
Edward in Tucson, Arizona says:
As a proud American Indian, and military veteran. I am impressed by the attention Barack Obama has paid to Indian Country. I am a law enforcement professional serving Indian Country for over 30 years and have fought consistently to right the injustice in Indian Country particularly the jurisdictional issues that hamper justice and service to our people. I an encouraged to see Barack Obama note this deficiency. I am hopeful that Barack Obama will right this injustice and bring hope back to Indian Country.
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