New York, NY (October 1, 2024) — Native American advocates and organizers will be paying close attention to the vice presidential debate airing tonight for signs of candidates’ knowledge of and intentions towards Indian Country. The following statement from Judith LeBlanc (Caddo), executive director of Native Organizers Alliance and NOA Action Fund, can be quoted in-full or in-part.
Both Tim Walz and JD Vance have left wildly different impressions on Indian Country during their time in office and on the campaign trail.
In the past, Vance has sparked sharp criticism from Native peoples for his comments calling Indigenous Peoples Day ‘fake’ and for derisive comments about our Two-Spirit relatives.
Walz on the other hand, has gained some recognition and praise for his work with 11 Tribes as the governor of Minnesota and working In partnership with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a member of the Ojibwe Tribe. Together they created the model for how states work with Tribal nations, requiring trainings on sovereignty and tribal consultations by all state departments. Walz also took time to meet with the Native American Caucus at the Democratic National Convention, acknowledging the political significance of the Native vote. Through his tenure, we hope that he comes with a solid foundational understanding of Tribal sovereignty.
But we have yet to hear from both candidates on their policy issues. And while there may be an initial impression of these candidates, Native voters want to hear both Walz and Vance expand on what they intend to do if elected. Native voters are not a monolith, so it would be wrong for either campaign to make assumptions about our support.
We want to know the actions they will take in their administration to address the issues that Native voters identify as their top priorities. The most recent Indigenous Futures Survey found that Native voters care deeply about Tribal sovereignty, racial economic disparities, and environmental protections. We also care about whether the candidates are committed to upholding a democracy for everyone, all races, all backgrounds, all religions.
America’s democracy is made stronger by the inclusion of all voters. And both campaigns should not forget the powerful impact of the Native vote, especially in key states like Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Don’t count us out. The Native vote, as we showed in 2020, can make all the difference in tight races.
About Native Organizations Alliance
The nation’s leading organization dedicated to building Native power. Through advocacy, capacity building, and campaign support, Native Organizers Alliance amplifies the power of tribes, organizations, and grassroots movements to drive policy change in Indian Country. Learn more at nativeorganizing.org/.