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Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris takes part in a fundraiser from Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 2, 2020. Photo by Lawrence Jackson / Biden for President
What Indian Country is saying about the Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Indianz.Com

Here’s what supporters of Democratic presidential candiate Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris are saying about the Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations, released October 8, 2020.

Rep. Deb Haaland, citizen of Pueblo of Laguna, (D-New Mexico)
“As one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, I have a unique perspective on the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities. The Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations will honor those promises and have a profound positive impact on Indian Country. From rebuilding the trust between the federal government and Tribes through genuine Tribal consultation and empowering Indian Tribes through self-government, to expanding and protecting healthcare for millions of Native Americans, the Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations respects our past and lays out a strong path forward for Indian Country. I am also especially appreciative of Joe Biden’s commitment to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women which has plagued our communities for far too long.”

President Jonathan Nez of the Navajo Nation
“We need a uniter and our country needs healing. The Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations makes it clear, Vice President Biden and Senator Harris will heal the deep wounds of this nation, work with Tribal communities, and bring us through these troubled times.”

Dr. Aaron A Payment, Chairperson of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
“Taking land out of trust, de-establishing reservations, and proposing to cut Indian Child Welfare by 35% are just a few examples of Trump’s failed policies for Indian Country. So I am excited about the recently released Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations, which will honor the treaty and trust responsibility. I am voting pro-Tribal sovereignty and supporting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”

Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community
“I am pleased to provide my personal support and endorsement to Vice President Biden and Senator Harris to be our next President and Vice President of the United States. Their Plan for Tribal Nations, and their record over decades of service make it clear that they understand Tribal sovereignty and their trust responsibilities to Tribes and that they will tackle our challenges head-on if elected. It is my belief that the team of Biden-Harris will provide the necessary leadership to lead Indian Country out of the COVID-19 pandemic and into the next decades of self-determination”

Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians
“Representation matters. I believe this is going to be one of the most critical elections in our lifetimes, due to the long-standing, systemic issues that underpin differences in our very diverse communities. Native American voters and communities form a vital part of the demographic forces reshaping politics and discourse in key areas. We need leaders like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who have a plan to ensure that we can advance Indian Country’s most pressing priorities.”

Former Secretary of the Interior and former U.S. Senator from Colorado Ken Salazar
“The Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations is an historic comprehensive plan that recognizes the importance of the nation’s First Americans and respects their sovereignty, history and contributions to the United States. For far too long, Native American’s have been forgotten and left behind. The Biden-Harris plan will build upon the Obama-Biden legacy to recognize and respect the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and address the economic and health care disparities that so affect Indian Country.”