AUDIO/VIDEO: Mark Charles at Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum

Wednesday, August 21, 2019  

The Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum concluded after two days in Sioux City, Iowa, in the homelands of the Omaha, Ponca and Winnebago tribes.

Independent presidential candidate Mark Charles, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, was among the record number of participants in the historic event. He spoke on Tuesday morning at the Orpheum Theatre in the city, a crossroads for Indian nations throughout the region.

Kevin Abourezk of Indianz.Com and Leo Yankton, a co-host of our "Indian Times" podcast, broadcast from the event. They shared their thoughts about Charles and his presentation in a Facebook live video.

You can also listen to Charles at the Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum on the Indianz.Com SoundCloud. He was introduced by Frank White, the chairman of the Winnebago Tribe.

Charles spoke about his vision for American and his 2020 presidential aspirations for about 15 minutes. He then participated in a discussion with tribal leaders and tribal citizens for another 30 minutes or so. He received a standing ovation and sustained applause from the audience at the conclusion.

Independent candidate and Navajo Nation citizen Mark Charles is speaking: “I feel so at home. All we need is a mutton stand.” pic.twitter.com/KABZSmabjS

— KevinAbourezk (@Kevin_Abourezk) August 20, 2019

Asked if he supports rescinding the 20 Medals of Honor given to soldiers at Wounded Knee, Mark Charles said: “These medals are not merely a stain. They are blood dripping from the clothes of this nation. We need to not only rescind them. We need to wash the clothes.”

— KevinAbourezk (@Kevin_Abourezk) August 20, 2019

A standing ovation for Navajo candidate for president Mark Charles. pic.twitter.com/xJ2gUXTCQZ

— KevinAbourezk (@Kevin_Abourezk) August 20, 2019

Now Speaking: Navajo Citizen Mark Charles, Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum 2019 #NativeVote20 #NativeForum #NativeVote #WeVoteWeCount https://t.co/qpz18bFiMh pic.twitter.com/3qmuWFC5SI

— NCAI (@NCAI1944) August 20, 2019

Day 2: Tune into the Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum (August 20, 2019)
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RECAP: Morning session of Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum (August 19, 2019)
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Tune into the Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum (August 19, 2019)
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