Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders campaigns on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on May 12, 2016. Photo from Bernie 2016
LaDonna Harris (Comanche) and her grandson Samuel Fred Goodhope (Comanche / Inupiaq) explain why they are supporting Democrat Bernie Sanders for president:
Throughout my career in the Native American Self-Determination Movement, I have had to educate thousands of politicians and decision-makers. Bernie doesn’t need Indian 101 – he gets it! One only has to look at the makeup of the Sanders Campaign which reflects strength in diversity. His campaign was the first to issue an Indian Policy Statement and hire Native Americans this election cycle. He has met with tribal government officials and Native activists at every opportunity, and Bernie, unlike any other candidate, actually mentions our community in his basic stump speech. Bernie won’t just maintain the status quo for Native Americans but intends to take Federal Indian Policy to a whole new level. Senator Sanders takes Native voters seriously, realizing that Native Americans are often the swing vote in many of the remaining primary states. Bernie knows that when Indians vote, Democrats win. While other politicians seem to go through the motions, Bernie actually internalizes the diverse messages of the many peoples he campaigns and meets because his vision for this country as stated is inclusive and pluralistic. My values, as an Indigenous person, embrace the fact that we are related to all things, including all peoples and our Mother Earth. We have a responsibility to care for our relatives, especially our mother. My brother Bernie also cherishes his relationship with Nature, and he has been an outstanding leader in environmental protection. He recognizes the devastating effects that fracking has on our sacred lands and hallowed water-ways. Bernie is our champion against the powerful extractive industry who seek wealth over our health.Get the Story:
LaDonna Harris & Samuel Fred Goodhope: Bernie Shares Our Core Cultural Values (Indian Country Today 5/19)
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