"Barack Obama was adopted into the Crow Nation and given the name "One Who Helps People Throughout the Land."

In the lead up to Tuesday's primaries in Montana and South Dakota, Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, Mont.

The Democratic nominee will face John McCain of Arizona, co-chairman of the Senate's Committee on Indian Affairs.

"All of them at least have had some exposure to Indian country," observed Chickahominy Tribe Chief Stephen Adkins of Charles City County. "It's not a bad place to be."

It's an unusual place for American Indians as we approach the November election.

"I do think there's a difference in what we've typically seen, which is no attention at all," said Karenne Wood, a Fluvanna County resident and Monacan Tribal Council member.

Native Americans make up 1 percent of the electorate nationally and 0.3 percent in Virginia. But the 2000 presidential election placed that percentage in new light. "Folks have begun to understand that every vote counts," Adkins said."

Get the Story:
Michael Paul Williams: American Indians find new clout in presidential politics (The Richmond Times-Dispatch 5/29)

Related Stories:
Sen. Clinton campaigns on Flathead Reservation (5/28)
Sen. Clinton interview with South Dakota paper (5/28)
Sen. Clinton to campaign on Pine Ridge Reservation (5/27)
Sen. McCain meets with tribal leaders in New Mexico (5/27)
Sen. McCain touts Indian experience over Obama (5/27)
Eastern Shoshone teen endorses Sen. Obama (5/27)
Opinion: Candidates refuse Indian contributions (5/23)
Editorial: Lobbyists run McCain and Obama campaigns (5/23)
Jodi Rave: Sen. Obama eyes Democratic nomination (5/22)
Sen. Clinton to campaign on reservations (5/22)
The Native Voice: On the trail with Sen. Obama (5/21)
Sen. Clinton courts Indian vote in South Dakota (5/21)
The Native Voice: On the trail with Sen. Obama (5/20)
Jodi Rave: Sen. Obama first to visit reservation (5/20)
Crow Tribe welcomes Sen. Obama to reservation (5/20)
The Native Voice: On the trail with Sen. Obama (5/19)
Oregon Tribal Leaders: Why we support Sen. Obama (5/19)
Sen. Obama to hold rally on Crow Reservation (5/19)
Sen. Clinton reiterates Indian health support (5/16)
Bill Clinton campaigns on Pine Ridge Reservation (5/15)
Jodi Rave: A candidate for the youngest generation (5/15)
Jodi Rave: Clinton and Obama court Indian vote (5/14)
Clinton and Obama eye Indian vote in South Dakota (5/14)
Column: Russell Means predicts Obama win in 2008 (5/14)
Bill Clinton to campaign on Pine Ridge Reservation (5/13)
South Dakota Indians back Clinton for president (5/12)
Indian superdelegate backs Obama for president (5/12)
Cherokee chief praises Obama as 'good president' (5/12)
New Mexico selects Indian superdelegate (5/9)
Kevin Abourezk: Obama and McCain on Indians (5/9)
Counting the Indian vote in North Carolina (5/8)
Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton share primary victories (5/7)
Jodi Rave: Obama secures Indian superdelegates (5/6)
Sen. Obama welcomes Kalyn Free's endorsement (5/6)
Clinton and Obama back Lumbee recognition (5/6)
Superdelegate Kalyn Free endorses Sen. Obama (5/5)
Abourezk: Crow man spreads Obama's message (5/2)