Support for tribes pours in

FROM THE ARCHIVE

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JULY 14, 2000

Support for tribes and tribal governments continues to come in from all angles, as more organizations and politicians express their disdain for a Washington state Republican party resolution calling for the termination of tribal governments.

On Wednesday, the Nebraska State Democratic Party became the second in the nation to condemn the resolution, which was authored by John Fleming, a non-Indian who lives on the Swinomish reservation in Washington. Fleming angered many when he suggested military force be used if tribes objected to his proposal.

"It is deeply disturbing that such extremism and racial bigotry and hatred appear to be thriving in certain segments of the Republican Party," said Nebraska Democratic Chair Anne Boyle. "At the dawn of the 21st century, it's incomprehensible that this resolution would be introduced, let alone pass."

Another Nebraska Democratic representative, Vice-Chair Frank LaMere, lent his support to the California Democratic Party last weekend. The Native American Caucus in the state quickly sprung to action, co-authoring with party chair Art Torres the first resolution condemning the Washington state proposal.

"We have to nip this thing in the bud," said Mary Ann Martin Andreas, Vice Chair of the Native American Caucus and Chairwoman of Morongo Band of Mission Indians in California. "We've been reaching out to parties in other states."

The California outreach seems to have paid off, not just in other states but nationally as well. Democratic National Committee National Chair Joe Andrew criticized the Washington resolution on Thursday.

"Trying to dissolve tribal sovereignty is an insult to Native Americans across the nation," said Andrew. "I call upon Gov. George W. Bush and the Republican National Committee to publicly denounce these unjust and racist actions by the Washington State Republican party."

To date, Republicans throughout the country have also reacted to the action of their fellow party members. Most notable is Senator Slade Gorton, long held in Indian Country to be a foe to tribal sovereignty and whose home state is Washington.

"I am not in favor of that resolution, and it isn't going to result in any bill introduced in Congress, much less passed by Congress," stated Gorton on Tuesday.

As for the Republican National Committee and candidate Bush, Andreas has strong words for both.

"We [the tribe] were supposed to participate in the Republican Convention later this month," said Andreas. "Unless their candidate disavows this action, we will not be there."

The Republican National Convention takes place July 31 through August 3 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Democratic National Convention will take place August 14 through August 17 in Los Angeles, California.

Relevant Links:
The California Democratic Party - www.ca-dem.org/dems/cadems.nsf/index
The Nebraska Democratic Party - www.nebraskademocrats.org
The Democratic National Committee - www.democrats.org/index.html
The Washington State Republican Party - www.wsrp.org
The Republican National Committee - www.rnc.org