Why I Support Barack

Nila Northsun Shanley

As a native American woman living on the Fallon Paiute Shoshone reservation, I know tribal people have a long history of distrust when it comes to the U.S. governments, it’s agencies, and it’s representatives. But there is something different about Obama. I feel such a positive energy in his articulate, respectful advocacy of multicultural issues, that in turn, has re-energized my hope that Obama will honor treaty obligations to America’s First People. His recognition of tribal sovereignty and self-determination will help our people to chart the best possible course for our future. As an advocate for social justice, addressing health care and education, Barak Obama can make a difference for our people, for all people.

Fred Urbina

Pasqu Yaqui Tribe, Tucson, AZ

As an Arizona Native American Veteran and former police officer I am proud to support Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. Senator Obama offers my heart hope! I hope for great possibilities, hope for unity, and hope for a sensible end to the Iraq war

I am inspired by his message. To me he represents a new beginning, the dawn of a political and social evolution – where equality, economic security, justice, optimism, and American pride are no longer delusions and soundbites, but tangible realities for all people. Senator Obama exudes strength without fear, trust without suspicion, ideas without limitations, and optimism without the specter of darkness.

Senator Obama's willingness to support, listen, and confer with tribal leaders on issues involving First Americans is refreshing and a surprising change from the status quo. Obama offers and speaks of common sense solutions to crime prevention and reversing the trend of high minority incarceration rates by identifying and attacking the source issues. Implementation of his policies would have a direct impact on Native American populations on and off reservations.

...and so I wait and I anticipate, and I enthusiastically join the loyal ranks of Senator Obama’s supporters! I pray for his spirit and his heart as he journeys forth. America has patiently waited nearly 40 years for this kind of leadership!

As Robert F. Kennedy once said, "…What we need in the United States is not division; What we need in the United States is not hatred; What we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love and wisdom and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice towards those who still suffer within our country."

Gabriel Moses

Nez Perce

I support Barack Obama because he is the candidate that understands that great power demands responsibility and accountability. Barack personifies the qualities that make America the Greatest Country on Earth: Hope, Intelligence, Responsibility and Ethics.

Barack Obama has demonstrated that he will work to improve all of America and not just those social, political, or business elite that use buy influence to shift America's landscape to their personal benefit. I am supporting Barack Obama because I believe that he understands that this elitist shift is detrimental to America because it creates an America of haves, and have nots. This creates an America that does not guarantee the free pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, based on the content of character or of hard work, but of access to privilege and representation based on money for power. This climate needs to change if we are going to become the America the world remembers, respects, and needs.

I urge you to support Barack Obama as well.

Lucas Mills

Law Student

America is a chorus of many different voices. For America to be its best, its leadership must commit not only to the opinions that already enjoy representation but also to the active search for other views. Throughout his life and career, Senator Obama has shown a deep value for often overlooked voices and has displayed a strong commitment to bring them to the fore. His demonstrated skill in forging understanding from different perspectives yields a greater overall value to each of the many parts that compose this nation. In Senator Obama, I see a more representative picture of the American ideal.

Beverly Russell

San Carlos Apache Tribal member

Donald Lott Jr

Assiniboine Tribal member of Fort Belknap, Montana

We have devoted our careers to preserving, and strengthening the voice of American Indians and Alaska Natives in this country. As young American Indian leaders it is our responsibility to support candidates that will recognize and embrace the political status of Indian Tribes. We believe that Senator Obama’s experience as a community organizer, coupled with his message of Change will benefit America’s first citizens. It is also our belief that Senator Obama’s conviction and respect for government accountability will reaffirm the United State’s commitment to Indian Tribes.

Furthermore, Senator Obama’s message has inspired us to begin a grass roots effort to educate our tribal community about the importance of civic engagement. In the spirit of unity, community and opportunity, we support Senator Barack Obama.