Indigenous Voters Honored at Presidential Campaign Rally

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, is actively courting the Native American vote as the November election approaches. At a recent rally held at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, she emphasized her commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty and respecting self-determination.

Arizona, home to 22 federally recognized tribes, remains a pivotal battleground state, having been won by President Joe Biden in 2020 by a narrow margin of fewer than 11,000 votes.

Harris’ Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, has made similar promises in the past. During his 2020 campaign, he issued a memo asserting his administration’s dedication to supporting tribal sovereignty and empowering Native communities. However, his presidency faced criticism for actions perceived as detrimental to tribal relations, including significant rollbacks of environmental protections and efforts to terminate tribal land rights.

Harris’ remarks have been well-received in Indian Country. Kevin Washburn, a Chickasaw Nation citizen and former assistant secretary of Indian affairs, stated, “Her statement reflects continuity with the Obama-Biden and Biden-Harris administrations, which have been historically supportive of Indian Country.”

Political analyst Dick Trudell, a Santee Sioux Tribe citizen, provided a nuanced perspective. He noted that while Democratic candidates frequently pledge support for tribal sovereignty, the real test comes when contentious issues arise. Despite this, Trudell expressed optimism about Harris’s potential impact, suggesting she would advocate for tribal interests if elected.

Support for Harris among Native leaders is evident. Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis praised her as a devoted advocate for tribal sovereignty during the Glendale rally. Similarly, Pechanga Band of Indians Chairman Mark Macarro highlighted Harris’s vital role in advancing tribal interests under the Biden administration.

However, support for Harris is not unanimous. Figures like Republican U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, a Cherokee Nation citizen, actively back Trump, reflecting a division in Native political alignment. Nonetheless, the National Congress of American Indians reports that over 60 percent of Native voters typically support Democratic candidates.

Harris’s selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has garnered additional support from Native leaders. Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, shared insights on their efforts to foster better state-tribal relations, emphasizing the importance of sustained engagement over a long history of neglect.