Tribal Leaders Embrace Tim Walz in Arizona: “We Can’t Go Back”

Gila River Governor Stephen Roe Lewis recently hosted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in Arizona, emphasizing the significance of the Native vote in upcoming elections. Lewis reminded tribal leaders and voting advocates that Native voters were pivotal in securing President Biden’s 2020 victory by a narrow margin of fewer than 11,000 votes.

“Every vote counts, and every Native vote makes a difference,” Lewis stated on October 9, urging everyone to engage in the electoral process. He pointed out that while Democrats focus on traditional battlegrounds like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, they should also consider what he termed the “tribal wall”: five key states—Arizona, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, and Michigan—that possess substantial Indigenous populations.

In Arizona alone, Indigenous people represent 6% of the state’s population, with around 300,000 voting-age Natives. Historically, these voters lean Democratic, giving the party a significant advantage in close races whenever tribal nations unite.

On the same day early voting began in Arizona, Governor Walz visited the Gila River Indian Community’s Sheraton Grand Hotel to galvanize tribal leaders and advocates. He spoke passionately about a potential Harris-Walz administration’s commitment to supporting tribal sovereignty and Indigenous rights. “We’re not going back to a time of patronizing relationships; we’ll work hand in hand,” he asserted.

Walz noted the importance of genuine relationships, stating that candidates shouldn’t only visit tribal nations during election season. “Those days are over,” he emphasized. His own record in Minnesota, home to 11 tribal nations, reinforces his understanding of Indigenous communities, particularly as his lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and a trailblazer for Indigenous women in politics.

“He understands the importance of the Native vote,” Lewis said of Walz, predicting a historic partnership in governance moving forward. “Democrats aim to earn the Native vote through meaningful relationships and policies.” Walz highlighted that building trust and collaboration occurs well before election requests.

Addressing a small gathering, Walz commended the Biden administration for recognizing and honoring tribal sovereignty. “It’s essential for tribal nations to have a seat at the table, and under Vice President Harris, they will,” he promised. This commitment extends to ensuring that Indigenous voices significantly impact national discussions.

Lewis welcomed Walz’s visit, indicating it symbolizes the administration’s priority towards establishing robust government-to-government relationships with tribes. “Having partners like you and Vice President Harris in the White House will matter,” he asserted while highlighting initiatives in water conservation and green energy within the Gila River Indian Community that address broader climate change challenges.

Mary Kim Titla, Executive Director of United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY), also attended the event, discussing the pressing issues impacting Indigenous youth. She highlighted mental health as a key concern, urging Walz to recognize the urgent need for increased funding and access to quality healthcare in the new administration.

“I want him to know their voices matter,” Titla conveyed, pleased with Walz’s acknowledgment of the importance of prioritizing Indigenous concerns. The visit underscored that Native peoples remain foundational figures in the country’s fabric and should consequently occupy a prominent place in governmental considerations.