Presidential candidates continue outreach in Indian Country

Monday, October 14, 2019

By Acee Agoyo

With a growing number of communities across the nation celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, another Democratic presidential candidate announced plans to improve the federal government's relationship with the first Americans.

As mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg has some of the most direct experience with tribes and their everyday needs. He helped make history by welcoming the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians back to its homelands and negotiated a government-to-government with the tribe, a first in the state.

But he was lagging behind others in the 2020 field when it came to Indian Country. That changed on Monday as Buttigieg vowed to "reset" the relationship between tribal nations and the United States as president.

“The United States’ relationship with other sovereign nations should be guided by robust, meaningful, and respectful diplomacy,” said Buttigieg.

“Our interactions with tribal nations should be no different. It is time for the federal government to reset its relationships and interactions with these nations,” Buttigieg continued. “We have to acknowledge the shameful failures in our relationship with tribal nations and recommit our energies towards active diplomacy as the best way to heal and move forward to a thriving and healthy future together.”

It's time to reset our relationships and interactions with Tribal Nations. Today, I’m announcing a plan to promote the rights of Tribal Nations and enhance opportunities for Native people to thrive: https://t.co/XvYewYzVvN https://t.co/nHZJzBp0Ye
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) October 14, 2019

Buttigieg's Indian Country platform addresses some of the most pressing policy issues of the day. He is vowing to create a national commission to study the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women within his first 100 days on office, to seek "mandatory" funding for the Indian Health Service and recognize tribal regulatory authority over their lands.

“For too long, the U.S. government has failed to consider not only the future of Indian Country, but the present,” his campaign said in releasing the comprehensive strategy. “Under a Buttigieg administration, tribal nations will have a partner in the federal government. Pete will ensure that our Native communities can grow and thrive for generations to come.”

Despite his favorable record, Buttigieg was not among the 11 candidates who participated in the historic Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum, which took place over two days in Sioux City, Iowa, in August. His campaign told Indianz.Com at the time that he had a scheduling conflict.

By then, Julián Castro, a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Elizabeth Warren, the U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, had already released detailed Indian Country platforms. Cory Booker, the U.S. Senator from New Jersey, was quick to follow through he didn't take part in the event due to scheduling conflicts of his own.

Those who participated used the time to lay out positive positions on a wide range of issues, from health care and tribal homelands to tribal sovereignty and climate change -- all before a national audience.

“This is Indian Country 101 for America,” saidO.J. Semans, a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe who co-directs Four Directions Vote, one of the hosts of the event.

Buttigieg and his team hasn't ignored Indian Country at all -- they met with leaders of the Meskwaki Nation, where he stopped by the tribe’s powwow earlier in August. He also participated in a roundtable with tribal leaders during a recent Democratic party debate in Michigan.

Since the Native forum, the Democratic party hosted another debate, though tribal issues did not come up. A fourth is taking place on Tuesday, with Buttigieg and 11 other candidates who met the criteria sharing the stage in Westerville, Ohio.

Buttigieg isn't the only White House hopeful looking to make a splash ahead of the event. Julián Castro, who led the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the latter years of the Barack Obama administration, announced another round of endorsements on Monday, including additional ones from Indian leaders.

Margarita Ortega, a citizen of the Red Lake Nation who ran for public office in Minnesota last year, and Lance LaMont, who is Lakota, are among those backing Castro. Both are leaders in the urban Indian community in Minneapolis.

In August, Castro announced endorsements from Christina Blackcloud, a citizen of the Meskwaki Nation who serves as vice chair of the Native American Caucus of the Iowa Democratic Party; Red Dawn Foster, a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe who serves in the South Dakota State Senate; Arlando Teller, a citizen of the Navajo Nation who serves in the Arizona State House of Representatives; and Jennifer K. Falcon, an environmental leader and citizen of the Fort Peck Tribes.

“Naat’áanii is the Navajo word for leader. And a leader advocates, promotes, protects and uplifts his community. Julián Castro is the Naat’áanii for the United States of America,” Teller said ahead of the Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum in August. Blackcloud introduced the candidate at the event.

Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum: Julián Castro - August 20, 2019

No other 2020 hopeful has announced as many Indian Country supporters as Castro. Elizabeth Warren has named just one though it's a prominent figure -- Rep. Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico), who is one of the first two Native women in Congress.

Criteria for participating in the Democratic debate on Tuesday includes meeting donor contribution and polling thresholds. In terms of polling, Buttigieg tends to run behind Joe Biden, who served vice president under Barack Obama; Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator from Vermont, Elizabeth Warren; and Kamala Harris, the U.S. Senator from California.

Sanders, Warren and Harris all participated in the Native forum. Biden was among the notable absentees, though his campaign has acknowledged receipt of an invitation to attend a second event that Four Directions Vote and the Native Organizers Alliance, the other co-host, are planning to hold in Nevada on January 24-25.

Castro tends to run further behind Buttigieg when it comes to polls. Still, he has qualified to appear in Tuesday's debate.

Note: Thumbnail photo of Pete Buttigieg with leaders of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and elected officials in South Bend, Indiana, from South Bend Common Council.

Indigenous Peoples Day #NativeVote #NativeVote2020

A selection of social media posts from the 2020 Democratic and Independent presidential candidates on Indigenous Peoples Day, 2019.

Arrived at Great Spirit UMC. Excited to celebrate #IndigenousPeoplesDay here in the city of Portland OR. If you are in the area please stop by. The festivities run from 4-9 pm. I will speak at 7 pm.https://t.co/ckYHCukew3 pic.twitter.com/3PYnDR3age
— Mark Charles (@wirelesshogan) October 15, 2019

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we recognize the resiliency of indigenous communities and celebrate their rich contributions to society—while recommitting to the work that remains to come to terms with our past as a nation, to honor our promises, and work to right our wrongs.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 14, 2019

The time is long overdue for the Native American people to be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. #IndigenousPeoplesDay pic.twitter.com/Sd697H7Ip2
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 14, 2019

The story of America’s mistreatment of indigenous peoples is long and painful. And yet, Native communities have proven resilient. We owe them our respect—and we must honor our government's commitments and promises to them. #IndigenousPeoplesDay
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) October 14, 2019

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay we honor the Native communities here before us & celebrate their contributions to our country’s shared history. We must also acknowledge the centuries of injustices & violence these communities endured from our own government. https://t.co/Lurk0cdGFQ
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 14, 2019

The struggles of Indigenous people should not be overlooked. I’m proud to be the first candidate with a truly comprehensive plan on how we must honor treaties, improve conditions for indigenous people, and build our relationships with tribal nations.https://t.co/T3tzoZsmY5
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) October 14, 2019

“The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.” Chief Joseph

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay we recognize the culture and history of our Tribes and recommit to honoring and respecting their voices.
— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) October 14, 2019

Mayor Pete @pokegnek

Over the past few years as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg has frequently praised and talked about the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Here's a selection of his social media posts.

Thanks to the @pokegnek and @fourwindscasino for their generous contribution to the City of South Bend and many local organizations. These funds will help lift up our community’s children and families across all neighborhoods. pic.twitter.com/gvfw7lw6J2
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) January 17, 2019

Outgoing @Pokegnek Tribal Council Chairman John Warren’s leadership saw the arrival of the state’s first federally recognized tribal land right here in South Bend. Pleased to recognize him today. pic.twitter.com/YKgBcP06El
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 13, 2018

Pleased to join the @pokegnek today for a flag raising ceremony at the US 31/20 Bypass. The new structure will welcome residents and visitors to South Bend with a new look for this gateway to our city. pic.twitter.com/wbCJOJH25a
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 16, 2018

Congratulations to @Pokegnek on the new Tribal Police Substation opened today. Many South Bend residents are also tribal citizens and this will serve them well. pic.twitter.com/9NWM9ThLeJ
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 20, 2017

Celebrating new tribal housing with @Pokegnek on the Southwest side. We are proud and pleased that Indian Country has come to South Bend. pic.twitter.com/sVq07szgoo
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 28, 2017

The City of South Bend joins the @Pokegnek Band of Potawatomi in celebrating the restoration of their tribal homeland. pic.twitter.com/CTJ4ibywEi
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 29, 2016

On set at @FOX28News getting ready to discuss the latest local news including Pokagon agreement pic.twitter.com/P4HbxwUISn
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) March 24, 2016

Delighted to announce we have reached an agreement with @Pokegnek to share revenue and benefit #SouthBend pic.twitter.com/jVZ63k424g
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) March 23, 2016

Nice to start the Council year with @Pokegnek Chairman Warren offering invocation at tonight's meeting pic.twitter.com/WoLyLKNrvq
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) January 13, 2015