Myrtle Strong Enemy, 101, waits for US Democratic presidential candidate and US Senator Barack Obama, (D-IL), to speak in Crow Agency, Montana May 19, 2008. Strong Enemy is the oldest woman in the Crow Nation. REUTERS/Rick Wilking
Image and quote from Daily Kos [1].
Hope was the theme of Bill Clinton's successful campaign. Hope is the theme of Barack Obama's seemingly successful campaign. Perhaps the above picture best illustrates what this means.
Of all groups that make up "America," few need hope more than Native Americans. I am in the middle of a book called 1491 that discusses what the Americas were like before Columbus and the impact of European colonization. By some estimates 95% of the population of the Americas died in the century after 1492. The complete destruction of morale that even a fraction of that kind death rate entails is still a part of Native American culture from Alaska down to Peru. Through much of the Americas Native Americans are nearly powerless, often exploited, and often hopeless. Which is why movements like the Zapatistas in Mexico and people like Juan Evo Morales Ayma of Bolivia are so important.
Since 2006 Native Americans in the US have been having a small political awakening and having a small but significant effect on elections across the US. Groups like INDN List [2] and women like Kalyn Free [3] and Diane Benson [4] are at the forefront of this awakening. During the 2008 Democratic Presidential primary, it was mainly Bill Richardson who recognized and respected the Native American vote, with the top candidates, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, doing little to court that group. But since then Barack Obama has reached out to Native American voters and they have responded. Starting with the Native American Times [5], and followed by Kalyn Free [6] (a superdelegate) and three Native American tribes, including the Crow Nation, Native American support is growing for Obama.
Obama reaches people in a way that Hillary Clinton has not. And I think Obama's candidacy will mean a great deal to a great many people, such that the hope he generates will overcome the racism of some Americans. If Hope can win out over Racism, it will be a great victory for all Americans.
As an aside I should note that INDN List has endorsed its first six candidates for 2008. They don't seem to have an active list for their 2008 endorsements, so I will copy from their email: (I will diary separately later)
We are thrilled to announce our first six endorsed candidates of 2008! We are excited to have so may qualified candidates to support this early in the cycle, we know that Denise, Kevin, Todd, Joey, June and Laverne will work hard and will be victorious in their upcoming primaries and in November.
Denise Juneau [7], an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes, is seeking the office of Superintendent of Public Intruction in Montana. We are proud to have such an impressive candidate for statewide office, especially because she attended our 2007 Campaign Camp. We are certain she will help the children of Montana with her leadership and experience. Help her win her race by supporting her campaign today [8]!
Kevin Killer [9], an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is a candidate for the State House of Representatives District 27 in South Dakota. Kevin also attended the 2007 INDN Campaign Camp, where our entire staff and trainers from across the country paid attention to this young rising star. He has organized for many progressive campaigns, and we're sure his experience will pay off in his own race. Support Kevin's campaign by donating today [10]!
Todd Gloria [11] is running for the San Diego City Council and is an enrolled member of the Tlingit-Haida Tribes of Alaska. Todd truly cares about San Diego, and he has spent many years working for the neighborhoods there, including serving on the Board of Commissioners of the San Diego Housing Commission. He is a dedicated community activist, and we know he will represent San Diegans with passion and diligence. Support Todd's campaign today [12]!
Joey Jayne [13], an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is currently serving as a Montana State Representative and is running for State District Court Judge in 2008. She has practiced law in state, federal, and tribal courts and founded the Joey Jayne Law Office in Arlee, Montana, in 2000. Joey will bring years of legal experience to the State District Court, and we're proud to endorse her. You can help her by supporting her campaign today [14]!
June Lorenzo is running for New Mexico State Senate District 30 and is a member of Pueblo of Laguna. June was born and raised on the territory of the Laguna Pueblo and continues to be of service to her Native community. She brings a wealth of experience to her race, including serving as a tribal court judge and as Counsel for the American Indian Law Alliance (AILA). You can support June's campaign by mailing a check to her at P.O. Box 746, Laguna, NM 87026.
Laverne Wyaco, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is a candidate for the New Mexico State Senate District 4. Laverne was born in Rehoboth, within the bounds of District 4, and has been a long time community worker, dedicating her life to giving back to the community in which she lives. We know she will continue to work hard for her neighbors in the State Senate. Help Laverne by donating to her campaign today [15]!
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