Politics
Navajos see hope in a Kerry administration


Navajos who live on the Navajo Reservation say it's time for a change in the White House. They are voting for Sen. John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) for president.

One major reason is education. Navajos say the Bush administration has cut funding for Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. A large majority of BIA schools that are not operated under self-determination contracts are on the Navajo reservation.

"I'm going to be voting for Kerry just because a new person needs a chance," parent Carol Begay tells The Arizona Republic.

Thomas Yazzie, a school board member, says Navajo language programs "really have suffered for funding under Bush." He wants more money for technology at BIA schools.

The White House says it has spent $1.1 billion to repair and construct BIA schools. But the BIA's budget for education has been cut, to the tune of $79 million in fiscal year 2005.

Get the Story:
Navajos look to Kerry (The Arizona Republic 10/25)

Related Stories:
House rivals both win backing of Navajo council (10/21)
Navajo Nation council nearly endorses Renzi rival (10/20)
Navajo Nation council endorses Kerry for president (10/20)
Renzi wins endorsement of Navajo Nation Council (10/19)
Ron Allen, Wilma Mankiller: Bush too little, too late (10/15)
Navajo council asked to choose Renzi over Babbitt (09/14)
Kerry campaign counting on Native American support (08/10)
Bush blasted for response on sovereignty (8/9)
Kerry pledges support for Indian Country (8/9)
Kerry touts agenda of inclusion at UNITY (8/6)
Kerry to focus on Indian issues during Southwest trip (8/5)
Navajo Nation voters chose Kerry in Ariz. primary (2/12)
Navajo president attends Kerry rally in N.M. (2/3)
Kennedy meets with tribal leaders to promote Kerry (2/2)
Democrats turn to states with key Indian votes (1/28)
Democrat presidential hopefuls eye Indian voters (11/18)