"ven with all the election year polls and surveys available, it’s almost impossible to find research about what issues are of concern to Native American people. As part of the NET News “Voter Voices” project, Bill Kelly recently sat down with representatives of Nebraska’s tribes to hear what they’d like candidates to address this year.

It’s not easy to convince people at the Winnebago Tribe Powwow to talk about politics and the upcoming election. It’s not only talking over the steady, infectious rhythm of the drum groups performing in the dance circle. There’s often a sense that Native people get left off the radar of the people campaigning for office. In fact, if there’s something everyone agrees on, regardless of political philosophy, it’s that candidates need to make a swing through the reservation more often.

Just before dusk, the drummers accompanied singers on the long and mournful “flag song,” performed as Native American veterans lowered and carefully folded nearly 100 United States flags surrounding the dance circle. For participants and spectators, it was a reminder that while tribes are independent, sovereign nations, their members are U.S. citizens and potential voters. "

Get the Story:
Native American voters share concerns (KVNO News 8/2)

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