"It may be surprising to some, but political parties such as Democratic and Republican are not part of Plains tribes' way. I say Plains tribes because many tribes involved in megacasinos are aware that political parties can help or hinder the success of their most important �cash cow.�

On reservations, deep pockets and big campaign budgets are not as useful. Instead, the winners usually are the candidates who know how to campaign - who know and understand their community and keep family lines, relatives and clanships intact. And it usually doesn't cost them their beaded belt or jingle dress, either.

There is, however, one change in Plains tribal government that is telling.

Women are stepping forward with an eye on the tribe's top position; some women made it to the primaries. In some cases, this represents the first time a woman has attempted to invade this male-dominated world."

Get the Story:
Too few Native women toss their beaded headgear into ring (The Grand Forks Herald 11/11)
pwpwd

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