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JULY 10, 2000

In response to the actions of Republicans in the state of Washington, the California Democratic Party adopted a resolution over the weekend in support of tribal sovereignty.

With the passage of the resolution, the California Democrats have become the first party in the nation to denounce the actions of Washington state Republicans. Last month, state Republicans passed a resolution calling upon the federal government to terminate tribal governments, by whatever means necessary.

The resolution's primary author, John Fleming, also went a step further in support of his party's proposal. Fleming, a non-Indian who lives on the Swinomish reservation in Washington, suggested that military force be used if Indian tribes fight back.

"The US Army and the Air Force and the Marines and the National Guard are going to have to battle back," if tribes mount a counter-effort, Fleming said.

But like others throughout Indian Country, California tribes and tribal leaders usually aren't known for backing down from political or legal challenges. The state's most generous political donors, California tribes won a significant legal victory in March with the passage of Proposition 1A, which approved expanded gaming in the state.

Mary Ann Martin Andreas, chairwoman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, is also vice-chair of the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party. On Saturday, she affirmed the party's position with respect to tribal sovereignty.

"The purpose of the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party is to protect and preserve Native American sovereignty," said Andreas. "It was our responsibility to step forward and stand up to be the first caucus and the first party to oppose and condemn the reprehensible and heinous actions of Washington state Republicans."

The caucus has been in existence for a over a year now. They introduced the sovereignty resolution on Saturday along with state party chairman, Art Torres, who co-authored the resolution the caucus.

Before the resolution's passage on Saturday, Frank LaMere, vice-chair of the Nebraska State Democratic Party commended the state party's actions and called on others to follow suit. LaMere, a member of the Winnebago tribe of Nebraska, came to the weekend meeting to show support for the caucus and the resolution.

"Every state, every party, and every state Democratic party should speak out about the issue," said LaMere.

LaMere plans on addressing the issue in the upcoming week before his state's party and fully expects their support. "Indian Country also needs to address the issue because it seeks to further erode in many states the government-to-government relationships that have been established," added LaMere.

Treaties with Indian nations, legislation affecting tribes and Native Americans, executive orders, and Supreme Court decisions are just some of the ways government-to-government relationships have been established over the centuries.

But Andreas underscored the need to educate others about them.

"Its incumbent upon Indians to educate candidates, the public, and new legislators about Indian tribes and the responsibility of the American government to tribes," said Andreas.

The Republican National Convention takes place July 31 through August 3 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Democratic National Convention will take place August 14 through August 17 in Los Angeles, California.

Ed Note: Due to a typographical error, John Fleming was mistakingly identified as Ian Fleming. 11:00 AM EST 7/10. LaMere was also not the co-author of the resolution. 11:45 AM EST 7/11.

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EDITORIAL: Tribal sovereignty (The Talking Circle 7/7)
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Relevant Links:
The California Democratic Party - www.ca-dem.org/dems/cadems.nsf/index
The Nebraska Democratic Party - www.nebraskademocrats.org
The Democratic National Committee - www.democrats.org/index.html
The Washington State Republican Party - www.wsrp.org
The Republican National Committee - www.rnc.org