Open Letter Thanking Heidi Heitkamp for Dedication to Indian Country
By Myra Pearson, Jodi Rave Spotted Bear, Twila Martin Kekahbah, Janet Thomas, A. Gay Kingman and Stacey LaCompte
Dear Senator Heitkamp:
As American Indian women, we write to thank you for your leadership and dedication to Indian country. Notably, in challenging times, you stood up for Indian children with legislation to establish the Spotted Bear—Soboleff Commission on Native Children to address difficulties that confront our Native Youth. For example:
• 37 percent of Native children live in poverty;
• Suicide rates for Native children ages 15-24 years old are 2.5 times the national average;
• High school graduation rate for Native students is around 50 percent, compared to more than 75 percent for white students; and
• While the overall rate of child mortality in the U.S. has decreased since 2000, the rate for Native children has increased 15 percent.
To help reverse these impacts, the Commission on Native Children will conduct a comprehensive study on the programs, grants, and supports available for Native children, both at government agencies and on the ground in Native communities, with the goal of developing a sustainable system that delivers wrap-around services to Native children.
Heidi stands up for Native American women, introducing Savanna’s Act to increase FBI and other Federal law enforcement resources to help find missing, and resolve cases involving murdered, Native women, children, and men. Senator Heitkamp also worked to secure funding for Native American Victims of Crime to provide safe houses, counseling and services for Native victims of crime.
Heidi has improved outreach to American Indian Veterans, holding consultations and outreach summits with Native veterans and the Departments of the Interior, Health and Human Services, Veterans Administration and the White House. Heidi has worked to secure housing resources and agricultural programs for Native Americans.
For all that you do, Senator Heitkamp, we thank you!!!
Remember to vote on November 6, 2018!!!
Submitted on behalf of Myra Pearson (Spirit Lake Nation), Jodi Rave Spotted Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation), Twila Martin Kekahbah (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), Janet Thomas (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe), A. Gay Kingman (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) and Stacey LaCompte (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe). The writers are Native women from North Dakota and South Dakota.
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