A New York City drum group performs at the Native American Reception during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by Richie Richards
Making a splash in Philly
More than 100 Indian Nations hit DNC
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer
nsweekly.com PHILADELPHIA, Pa. –– Native American delegates, state representatives, candidates, leaders and supporters from over 100 tribal nations went to Philadelphia last week to hear Hillary Clinton accept her party’s nomination for President of the United States. The Democratic National Convention (July 25-28) was attended by delegations from Alaska, California, Arizona, South Dakota, Nebraska, Washington, New York, and other tribal nations from states whose large Native American populations may hold the swing vote in this presidential election and in their own states’ elections this fall. This includes South Dakota and the tens of thousands of eligible tribal voters, registered and non-registered, whose nations’ sovereignty is constantly being challenged by state government officials. Many of these elected-officials have a consistent record of voting against Native American needs, including social, political, environmental, medical, educational, and treaty-related issues. The South Dakota Democratic Party sent elected-Native American delegates Alli Moran (Sanders), Allison Renville (Sanders), Shawn Bordeaux (Clinton) and Cecilia Fire Thunder (Clinton) to Philadelphia along with their 25 total voting delegates. Also in attendance throughout the DNC was Representative Kevin Killer of District 27. History was made when Hillary Clinton became the first woman to accept her party’s nomination for president, but history was also made when nearly 200 Native American delegates, elected-officials, representatives and democratic supporters showed up for the Native American Council held at the Philadelphia Convention Center on Monday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 27. The Native American Council/Caucus was organized by PaaWee Rivera, Native American Engagement Director for the Democratic National Committee.
Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: Making a splash in Philly (Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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