Just a month after losing her hard-fought congressional bid, Montana’s Denise Juneau is looking to turn defeat into a new opportunity. She’d hoped to be the first Native American in Congress. Juneau confirms she’s interested in the top post at the University of Montana.
Environmental leader predicts fights with incoming Trump administration
by Ramona Marozas and Kate Harrison The head of a Native American-focused environmental initiative is gearing up for a fight with the incoming Trump administration. Honor the Earth Executive Director Winona LaDuke has strong words about the president-elect’s views on energy development. LaDuke can claim a victory after the company behind the controversial Sandpiper Pipeline […]
Concern and hope facing Donald Trump’s first 100 days
By Ryan Heinsius, Arizona Public Radio Some tribal leaders in the U-S are expressing concern following last week’s election of Republican Donald Trump. They worry some of Trump’s plans for his first hundred days in office could negatively impact Indian Country. Trump has vowed deep federal spending cuts after he takes the oath of office […]
The National Native News Election Project
In all but a small handful of states, Native Americans are elected at a rate that falls well short of their percentage of the population. And there are only two Native American members of Congress. But Native Americans living in Montana have some of the best representation at the state level in the country. Enough Native Americans are running unopposed or even against other Native Americans that tribal members are guaranteed eight of the 150 seats in the House or Senate.
Go here to read stories from the National Native News Elections Project
Left out by candidates’ support for northern Minnesota mining proposals
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The close race for Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District has focused largely on jobs and the connection each of the candidates has to the presidential contenders. Neither of the candidates–Democrat Rick Nolan and Republican Stewart Mills–has directly addressed Native American issues. One of those issues, said Ray Skip Sandman, is among the top environmental threats […]
Montana likely to retain strong Native American representation
By Nicky Ouellet, Montana Public Radio In all but a small handful of states, Native Americans are elected at a rate that falls well short of their percentage of the population. And there are only two Native American members of Congress. But Native Americans living in Montana have some of the best representation at the state […]
Appealing to the conservative Native American voter
By Allison Herrera As a group, Native Americans traditionally vote Democrat. Their economic status and views on environmental issues, among other things, tend to align more with established democratic ideals. President Obama helped solidify that support by actively reaching out to tribes during his two terms in office. But there are significant pockets of conservative […]
Alaska ballot measure aims to improve Native voter access
By Allison Herrera A ballot measure in Alaska would automatically register residents to vote. Alaska Native groups are lining up in favor of Ballot Measure One which aims to increase voter participation among people who are often left out of the political process. It enjoys support from Republicans and Democrats alike. But some conservatives are […]
Reducing barriers to the polls
By Ramona Marozas and Kate Harrison Northern Minnesota is home to seven Anishinaabe reservations. But the Native turnout is typically low. The Native communities are less politically organized than unions and other groups in the traditionally blue-collar mining area of the state. Ramona Marozas gives this snapshot of one person’s vision to get Native Americans […]
Minneapolis voting drive targets urban Native American participation
By Allison Herrera Minneapolis Minnesota has one of the largest Urban Indian populations in the country. Native people make up between 2 and 3 percent of the city’s population. For some races, that’s a make-or-break number. One organization hopes to improve Native voter turnout by talking about issues important to them, like the protests against the oil pipeline […]
