Nicole's Blog

From ICT--Obama: A Leader and a Partner

Nicole — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:16:13 EDT

Indian Country Today endorses Barack Obama for President, October 27th

As the United States makes final preparations in the selection of a new president, it is a turning point in American and American Indian history. The world economy is faltering on the heels of a government rescue of American financial institutions. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have depleted the once mighty U.S. military, not to mention the American public’s confidence in the executive branch. Native peoples continue to defend sacred sites and religious freedom against threats posed by eminent domain and corporate development. Indian health care remains tragically underfunded by Congress. Tribal sovereignty faces challenges in the courtroom, the workplace and on Capitol Hill.

These difficult times necessitate a leader who will consider legal, intellectual, and moral consequences before executing strategy. The next president must inherently value diversity and curb isolationism. This presidential race was often punctuated by marked differences in demeanor. The candidate who demonstrated confidence and composure throughout this long season forged an image of a new kind of American leader.

Indian Country Today endorses Barack Obama for president. This election is a remarkable opportunity for change in policy direction and leadership style. As a person, Obama exhibits humility and grace, and his story inspires creativity and action. As a candidate, Obama redefined American politics. The first African-American candidate for president deftly inspired legions of disenfranchised and first-time voters to participate in the democratic process. His campaign avoided divisive politics, instead finding common-ground issues like education and the economy to bring minds together. American Indian voters, especially those who support Obama, seized their right to vote like never before and have embraced political participation as a new ethic. We are certain that Native voters will make a noticeable difference in the presidential race and in local ones as well.

Throughout this long campaign, Obama did not just talk about Indian issues; he talked with Native peoples and brought their messages to the national stage. Sen. John McCain made no appearances in Indian country during his campaign despite requests by several tribes. Obama’s successful outreach efforts that included visits with tribal councils and speeches on reservations rendered McCain practically invisible.

This was unfortunate and ill-advised. McCain has been a respected leader and advocate for Indian issues, serving twice as chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. He won his party’s nomination by opposing unpopular Bush policy on immigration, torture and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge – all issues that won him praise from Indian supporters. But the “maverick” strategy is failing, mostly due to a disappointing campaign that baits the right-wing conservative base with negative ads and McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Palin is both embraced and criticized by Native people. Much of the praise for Palin stems from her husband’s Yup’ik heritage and the inference that she will be sympathetic to Indian rights as vice president. Her detractors point to a record of opposing the subsistence rights of Alaska Natives. Palin’s involvement in a state ethics investigations and her willingness to exploit xenophobic conservative themes at campaign appearances add more reason for concern. If McCain’s selection of Palin was an attempt to attract Clinton supporters, it was an alarming miscalculation and an insult to that educated, open-minded voting bloc.

The political will exists in Congress to sustain the foundation of Indian sovereignty. We are encouraged by a progressive leader like Obama, who offers a principled blueprint for an Indian policy that addresses rights and cultural integrity. He believes that treaties are “paramount law,” which will inform his judicial appointments and help the case for U.S. recognition of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The country and the world need a new signal. We believe Barack Obama can generate that signal and provide a more encompassing leadership from the United States. With the country and the world on the slippery slope toward the precipice, Obama commands intelligent and decisive approaches to difficult issues. The other side, unfortunately, does not exude confidence as much as obvious negativity.

In particular, the ridicule by the McCain/Palin campaign of Obama’s education and eloquence has been both distasteful and confounding. Have we not always encouraged and celebrated educational achievement? This season, the choice is between exceptional intellectual integrity and continuous mediocrity. We choose the exceptional – and endorse Barack Obama.

Barack's Message to NCAI

Nicole — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:56:09 EDT

This week Barack Obama addressed the National Congress of American Indians' 65th Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

Navajo Nation Council Endorses Barack Obama and Joe Biden

Nicole — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:30:42 EDT

Chicago, IL – Today, Senator Barack Obama accepted the endorsement of the Navajo Nation Council. The Council endorsed Obama and Senator Joe Biden on a vote of 59 to 21 at their fall legislative meeting. This endorsement is the latest of more than 100 tribal leaders, tribal organization and tribes that have endorsed Senators Obama and Biden.

Senator Obama said, “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Navajo Nation. I look forward to partnering with Indian tribes, including the Navajo Nation, on a government-to-government basis, to address the special challenges facing tribes today, including access to affordable healthcare, economic development, energy independence, and education. Joe Biden and I look forward to working with the Navajo Nation and all of Indian Country to bring about the change we need.”

The Navajo Nation is comprised of over 250,000 members on the largest federally recognized Native American Nation, located around Southeastern Utah, Northeastern Arizona and Northwestern New Mexico.

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr. and More Than 100 Tribal Leaders Endorse Barack Obama

Nicole — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:48:44 EDT

Chicago, IL – Today, the Obama campaign announced that Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., and more than 100 Tribal Leaders have endorsed Barack Obama for President. These endorsements come from tribes across the political spectrum and from all corners of the country. The Navajo Nation is the largest North American Indian Tribe, comprised of approximately 300,000 members located around Southeastern Utah, Northeastern Arizona and Northwestern New Mexico.

Senator Obama said, “I am honored to have the support of President Shirley and so many of our tribal leaders. Their commitment to public service is something that every American should be proud of. Indian tribes in our country face a special set of challenges – from issues of sovereignty to access to affordable healthcare. I look forward to working with Joe and all of our Tribal Leaders to ensure that we meet these challenges in an Obama-Biden administration.”

“For eight years, we have lived with Federal policies that erode our culture and language and, therefore, attack our very identity as Native people,” said President Shirley. “It is time for change: a real change! It is time for the United States of America to truly honor its obligations to its Native peoples. Senator Obama understands the uniqueness of Native nations and Native peoples – that is why I support Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States.”

In addition to the individual tribal leaders, Senator Obama has received the endorsement of at least seven tribal councils, including the Crow, Rocky Boy and Fort Peck nations and the All Indian Pueblo Council. He has also been endorsed by the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association. Earlier this year, Senator Obama became an honorary member of the Crow Nation.

Tribal leaders that have endorsed Senator Obama are:

· Chief J. Allan, Chairman, Coeur d’Alene Tribe

· Dave Archambault, Jr., Councilman, StandingRock Sioux Tribe

· Floyd Azure, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Dorothy Barber-Redhorse, Vice-President, Sanostee Chapter, Navajo Nation

· David Z. Bean, Councilman, Puyallup Tribe of Indians

· Harriett Becenti, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation

· Lorenzo Bedonie, Council Delegate representing Hardrock/ Pinon Chapters (Arizona), Navajo Nation

· Elmer Begay, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation

· Garrett Big Leggins, Vice- Chairman, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Richard Bird, Jr., Councilman, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

· Cedric Black Eagle, Vice-Chairman, Crow Nation

· Rodney Bordeaux, President, Rosebud Sioux Tribe

· William "Shorty" Brewer, Vice-President Oglala Sioux Tribe

· Theresa Bridges, Chairwoman, Franks’ Landing Indian Community

· Joe Brings Plenty, Chairman, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

· Donna Buckles-Whitmer, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Diana Buckner, Chairwoman, Ely Shoshone Tribe

· Ronald Charles, Chair, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe

· Abe Chopper, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Thomas Christian, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· M. Brian Cladoosby, Chairman, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

· Robert Cournoyer, Chairman Yankton Sioux Tribe

· Gene Culbertson, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Gerald L. Danforth, Former Chairman, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin

· Herman Dillon Sr., Chairman Puyallup Tribe of Indians

· Ron Duke, Tribal Council Representative, Oglala Sioux Tribe

· Peter Dupree, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Andy Ebona, Councilman Douglas Village, Tlingit Tribe, Alaska

· Ian Erlich (Native Village of Kotzebue) – Vice Chairman, Alaska Inter-Tribal Council

· Ingrid Firemoon, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Leonard Forsman, Chairman Suquamish Tribe

· Jerry Freddie, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation

· Marlin Fryberg Jr., Secretary, Tulalip Tribes of Washington

· Margaret Gates, Councilwoman Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

· Shawna Gavin, Secretary, General Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

· Alison Gottfriedson, Councilmember, Franks’ Landing Indian Community

· Arlyn Headdress, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Ron His Horse Is Thunder, Chairman, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

· Wesley “Chuck” Jacobs, Tribal Council Representative, Oglala Sioux Tribe

· Michael Jandreau, Chair, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

· Michael R. Johnson, Chair, General Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

· Richard Kirn, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Ronald "Smiley" Kittsen, Councilman, Blackfeet Nation

· Shelly Luger, Vice Chairwoman, Spirit Lake Tribe

· Cynthia Lyall, Chairwoman, Nisqually Indian Tribe

· Michael Marchand, Former Chairman, Conf. Tribes of the Colville Reservation

· Robert McGhee, Councilman, Poarch Band of Creek Indians

· Jesse McLaughlin, Councilman, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

· Joseph McNeil, Jr., Councilman, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

· Christopher Mercier, Councilman and former Chairman, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

· Kenneth Meshigaud, Tribal Chairperson, Hannahville Potawatomi

· James V. Miles, Councilman Puyallup Tribe of Indians

· Elmer L. Milford, Council Delegate representing Ft. Defiance Chapter (Arizona), Navajo Nation

· John Miller, Chairman, Pokagon Band of Pottawatomi

· Antone Minthorn, Chair, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

· Armand Minthorn, Council Member, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

· Jeff Mitchell, Council Member, Klamath Tribes

· Robert Moore, Councilman, Rosebud Sioux

· Wayne A. Newell, Passamaquoddy Indian Township Tribal Council Member, Passamaquoddy Tribe

· Ned Norris, Chairman, Tohono O'odham Nation

· Benjamin H. Nuvamsa, Chairman, Hopi Tribe

· Darrin Old Coyote, Vice-Secretary, Crow Nation

· Stuart Paisano, Governor, Pueblo of Sandia

· Brian Pearson, Secretary-Treasurer, Spirit Lake Tribe

· Myra Pearson, Chairperson, Spirit Lake Tribe

· Louis Peterson, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Rick Phillips-Doyle, Sakom/Chief, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Pleasant Point Reservation

· Matthew Pilcher, Chairman, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

· Jennifer Porter, Chair, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho

· Gloria Ramirez, Councilwoman, Tohono O’odham Nation

· Darryl Red Eagle, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Kenny Reels, Vice-Chair, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

· Sarah Riggs, Vice-Chair, Dilkon Chapter, Navajo Nation

· George Rivera, Governor, Pueblo of Pojoaque

· Bobby Robbins, Council Delegate representing Naneez dizi/ Coalmine Canyon Chapters (Arizona), Navajo Nation

· Andrew Roybal, Tribal Council Member Piro/Manso/Tiwa Indian Tribe, Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe

· Scott Russell, Secretary, Crow Nation

· Brandon Sazue Sr., Chairman, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

· Richard Sebastian, Tribal Councilor, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

· Michael Selvage, Chairman, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe

· Melvin Sheldon Jr., Chairman, Tulalip Tribes of Washington

· Wink Soderberg, Council Member, Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde

· A.T. Stafne, Chairman, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· James H. Steele Jr., Chairman, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation

· J.D. Stone, Speaker of the House, Crow Nation

· Aurolyn Stwyer, Vice-Chair, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs

· Ron Suppah, Chair, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs

· Michael Thomas, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

· Larry Townsned, Tribal Veteran Service Officer, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

· Leonard Tsosie, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation

· Lee Juan Tyler, Vice-Chairman, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

· Carl Venne, Chairman, Crow Nation

· William Walksalong, Former President and Tribal Council member, Northern Cheyenne Tribe

· John Warren, Councilman, Pokagon Band of Pottawatomi

· John Weeks, Sergeant at Arms, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Marcus Wells, Jr., Chairman, Three Affiliated Tribes

· Bill Whitehead, Tribal Executive Board, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation

· Mike Williams, Tribal Council Member for the Akiak Native Community

· Jonathan Windy Boy, Business Committee Member, Chippewa Cree of the Rocky Boy Reservation

· Mervin Wright, Jr. Chairman, Pyramid Lake Paiute

· John Yellowbird Steele, President Oglala Sioux Tribe

· Marie Zackuse, Vice Chairwoman, Tulalip Tribes of Washington

Rocky Boy Tribal Council Endorses Obama

Nicole — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:57:33 EDT

Council Members Note Obama’s Strong Stance on Combating Meth

ROCKY BOY, MT – The Obama campaign announced today that the Rocky Boy Tribal Council has endorsed Barack Obama for President. The Council, which is the governing body of the Rocky Boy Reservation, passed a resolution endorsing Obama during a meeting this week.

“Sen. Obama understands the many challenges facing Native Americans on reservations in the West, and it is time for a president who is committed to making real change in the lives of the people on the Rocky Boy reservation,” said Council Chairman John “Chance” Houle. “John McCain has been in Washington for twenty-six years, and has had a chance to be an advocate for Native Americans. But he hasn’t been. It’s time for new leadership in Washington D.C.”

In addition to passing the resolution unanimously, the Council noted Sen. Obama’s strong work in fighting the spread of meth on reservations. In a 2006 survey, 74% of tribal law enforcement officials cited meth as the leading threat to their tribes’ livelihood. Sen. Obama has been a strong supporter of funding for the fight against meth, including assistance to children affected by meth abuse and restrictions on the sale of ingredients used to make the drug. He has also called for funding for tribal police programs and tribal courts, and for resolving jurisdiction issues that will enable tribal authorities to deal with the causes of the problem on Indian land.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Rocky Boy Tribal Council,” said Nicole Willis, First Americans Deputy Vote Director. “American Indians and Alaska Natives are poised to have a decisive impact on the outcome of the presidential election. There are several battleground states, including Montana, Nevada, Alaska, North Dakota and New Mexico, with significant Native American populations that could push the state into the Democratic column.”

“The Obama campaign has made an unprecedented effort to reach out to Native Americans in Montana,” said Gyasi Ross, a member of the Blackfeet tribe and the Constituency Director for the Obama Campaign in Montana. “We look forward to working with Chairman Houle and the other leaders on Rocky Boy over the next few months in order to spread the word about Sen. Obama’s plans and get people on the reservation involved in this historic campaign.”

Obama’s Campaign for Change effort on Rocky Boy is led by Joshua Standing Horse, a Chippewa Cree Tribal member.

With its endorsement, the Rocky Boy Tribal Council joins the tribal councils of Fort Peck and Crow. The Chairman of Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, James Steele, has endorsed Obama in his personal capacity.

--MT Press Office

NM Tribes Meet with Barack Obama

Nicole — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:59:11 EDT

This past Monday, Barack met with leaders from 21 of New Mexico's Tribal Nations. Barack had the chance to meet with tribal leaders he had not yet met, and also reconnected with some of his earliest supporters. Barack talked about his policy for tribes in the Southwest, and exchanged ideas and concerns with Governors of the Pueblos and leaders from the Navajo Nation and the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

From the Navajo Nation Washington Office:

President Shirley and Vice President Shelly Meet with Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., and Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly told Democrat presidential nominee Barack Obama that the nation’s largest tribe needs federal help to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Navajoland.

The Navajo leaders met with Sen. Obama during a New Mexico tribal leaders’ roundtable here Monday. President Shirley spoke about some of the challenges facing the Navajo Nation. He said Navajo people need jobs and economic opportunity to invigorate younger Navajo professionals.

“We have an interest in economic development and I feel the federal government can assist the Navajo Nation in its efforts,” he said. “I emphasized the need to work with the Navajo Nation onissues important to the Navajo people, such as significantly increasing funding for multi-use court and law enforcement facilities.”

President Shirley gave a brief overview of issues important to the Navajo Nation, such as protecting water rights, investing in energy initiatives, improving healthcare for Navajos and Navajo veterans, and pushing economic development and opportunity.

Vice President Shelly said, “We have the largest land base and the largest population. We also have the manpower and an intellectual and skilled community to fuel a self-sufficient Native Nation. Through partnerships, we can bring forth economic opportunity.”

“The vote from tribes is going to be important in this election,” said President Shirley following the meeting. “The Navajo vote is just as important. We want to encourage that every Navajo of voting age register and vote.”

The roundtable followed an Albuquerque town hall meeting for residents of New Mexico.

Obama Campaign Announces Senior Native American Staff in Key Battleground States

Nicole — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:07:53 EDT

Chicago, IL – The Obama campaign announced today the addition of senior Native American staff hires in the battleground states of Montana, New Mexico and North Dakota. The additions include Gyasi Ross, Montana Constituency Director; Amber Carrillo, New Mexico Native American Vote Director; and Jodi Gillette, North Dakota Native American Vote Coordinator. The new hires join Chicago based Wizipan Garriott (Sicangu Lakota), First Americans Vote Director, and Nicole Willis (Cayuse/Nez Perce/Yakama/Oglala Lakota), First Americans Vote Deputy Director.

Wizipan Garriott, Obama campaign First Americans Vote Director said, “Each one of these members of our team brings a great set of skills and expertise to the campaign. Senator Obama has the most progressive and detailed American Indian platform in recent history, and he is committed to bringing real change to Indian country. As a community organizer, Senator Obama brought people together and empowered them to strengthen their communities, and he brings that philosophy to his plan for our tribal communities across the country. The addition of these staffers in battleground states underscores Senator Obama’s commitment to working hard for every vote, bringing everyone into our movement for change and working for each and every member of the Native American community.”

Gyasi Ross will serve as the Montana Constituency Director. He is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe and grew up on both the Blackfeet and Suquamish reservations. Gyasi joined the Obama campaign because he believes that this particular campaign “I am joining this campaign because of the unique opportunity it represents” said Ross. “This campaign represents the ignored masses, including Natives, who have been left out of the political process for far too long. This process as a culmination of many of our ancestors’ sacrifices—a strong and unified Native voice for all of those before us that did not have the opportunity.”

Amber Carrillo will serve as the New Mexico Native American Vote Director. Amber has been a community organizer for over a decade. She believes that participation in the electoral process by Native Americans is a means to build power and advance social and economic justice issues that are in the best interests of Native communities. Carrillo, a Graduate of University of New Mexico, is from the Pueblo of Laguna and lives and works in Albuquerque with her two daughters, Chloe and Cosetta.

Jodi Gillette will serve as the North Dakota Native American Vote Coordinator. Jodi is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is taking a leave absence as the Director of the Native American Training Institute, a tribally operated non-profit. She is committed to her Tribe and people, especially maintaining and healing through the cultural life ways and beliefs of her ancestors. She is married to Rusty Gillette and has three children, Vance, Coral and George.

See more about Obama’s Tribal Communities plan here.

Alaska Natives Host Rally in Support of Barack

Nicole — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:27:58 EDT

Organizers in Alaska have kicked off a statewide tour to rally Alaska Native support for Obama. Keep an eye out for our Alaska Native campaign representatives, coming to a village near you!

"Daisy Stevens delivered her endorsement of the Democratic candidate in Gwich’in, her native tongue.

'This is the first time I can remember that a presidential candidate has acknowledged the needs of Alaskans, and on behalf of the Native community, I fully support him,' she said."

-Rebecca George, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/aug/20/local-natives-host-rally-supporting-barack-obama/

Barack Visits With MT Tribal Leaders

Nicole — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:18:04 EDT

On July 4th, Barack wrapped up his visit to Butte by gathering with Montana tribal members. Local Tribal leaders and super volunteers who helped rally support on the reservations during the primary met with Senator Obama and Governor Schweitzer following the 4th of July picnic. Barack and Michelle were also reunited with their adopted parents, Hartford "Sonny" and Mary Black Eagle. The Obamas were honored by being adopted into the Crow Tribe in May. Barack received the name Awe Kooda Bilaxpak Kuuxshish, which means "one who helps people throughout the land." In Butte, Michelle expressed excitement about her upcoming ceremony where she will be named "Arrowhead Woman." Sonny explained that he had chosen this name because Barack refers to Michelle as his rock.

It was great to see such wonderful turnout from Montana's First Americans-- some people drove from more than ten hours away! Senator Obama is very grateful for the overwhelming support he received there during the primary, and is looking forward to future visits to Indian Country.

Obama Calls on Senate to Swiftly Pass Indian Health Care Bill

Nicole — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:01:47 EST

U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Amendments of 2007 (S.1200), which is currently before the Senate. Obama is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

“For more than fourteen years, Congress has failed to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and comprehensively modernize Native American health care services. This is unfair and unacceptable.

“Today’s Native Americans are disproportionately suffering from debilitating illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The infant mortality rate is 150 percent higher for Native American infants than white infants, and the suicide rate for Native Americans is two and a half times the national rate. With these alarming statistics, improvements to Native American health care could not come at a more urgent time.

“It is our country's moral imperative to address the significant health care disparities between the Native American population and the American population as a whole. We must ensure our tribal health care programs on reservations and in urban centers are adequately prepared to provide preventative health care as well as treatment for substance and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues. Native Americans deserve the same high quality health care professionals that care for families throughout the country.

“I commend Senator Dorgan and the Indian Affairs Committee for their leadership on this legislation, and I strongly urge its swift passage in the Senate.”

Barack on Yucca Mountain

Nicole — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:16:13 EST

From Lauren R.:
In case you missed it . . . AN UPDATE FROM NEVADA

Nevada and the Environment

On Wednesday, October 31st, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on the controversial Yucca Mountain project in Nevada. In a letter to the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Committee Chair Barbara Boxer, Senator Obama called on committee leaders to officially abandon the proposed nuclear repository at Yucca Mountain and urged the development of new alternatives to safely store radioactive waste.

Barack Meets with Eastern Band Cherokee Leaders

Nicole — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:45:11 EDT

Barack was pleased to have the chance to meet with several members of Principal Chief Michell Hicks' executive staff.

"As a tribal member, I was greatly impressed with Senator Obama's willingness to discuss the finer points of tribal sovereignty and his awareness of issues that impact the daily lives of American Indians. I left the event feeling a sense of hope for the future of Federal Indian Policy. More importantly, I felt that we finally had a friend in Washington that we could count on."

-Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

NEW! First Americans for Obama Website

Nicole — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 18:01:25 EDT

Hello everyone,

Thank you all for creating and joining groups for American Indians and Alaska Natives and their supporters! Issues that face the First Americans are an important aspect to Barack Obama's campaign.

I invite you all to visit the new website dedicated to First Americans and the issues facing their communities: http://tribes.barackobama.com

Please take the opportunity to learn more about Barack's positions on issues facing American Indians and Alaska Natives. On the right hand side, in the "Take Action" box, please join First Americans for Obama, or choose "Tell Us Your Story" to let us know why you support Barack!

Spread the word to all your friends, and as always, feel free to email us here at firstamericans@barackobama.com!

Welcome!

Nicole — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:48:54 EDT

Welcome to First Americans for Obama! Please spread the word about this exciting new site dedicated to our American Indian and Alaska Native tribal nations. As sovereign entities, tribes share a complex government-to-government relationship with the United States federal government. Barack Obama is committed to strengthening that relationship and addressing the unique set of issues facing tribal communities today. Please check back regularly for updates on Barack's interactions with Indian Country, support from tribal communities, and Barack's thoughts on tribal policy and nation building.

For more information, check out "Barack on the Issues" for policy information, and visit "Why I Support Barack" to find out why fellow First Americans and other citizens support Senator Obama's candidacy for President. If you would like to get more involved, My.BarackObama.com is a great place to begin!