Indian Counrty

In 2006, the Indigneous Democratic Network, set up by Kalyn Free of the Choctaw Nation, helped elect an unprecedented number of Native Americans across America. They continue to strengthen the voice of Native Americans in politics. They are working to set up forums for the Presidential Candidates on Reservations (called Prez on the Rez). Bill Richardson is the first candidate to commit to participte in these forums and the idea is supported by Howard Dean, head of the DNC. The first such forum is being planned for the Morongo Reservation in California.

We are excited to announce that we have selected the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, California to host Prez on the Rez on August 23, 2007.

“No major presidential campaign event has ever come to Indian Country,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “This represents a historic opportunity for this country's First Americans to take a direct role in the future of America by holding a national level forum for presidential candidates. We couldn't be more proud to make history for Indian Country by hosting this extraordinary event.”

The announcement, and the official launch of Prez on the Rez, was held in conjunction with the winter executive meeting of the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, DC. In a speech at that meeting, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico became the first presidential candidate to commit to Prez on the Rez.