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Arizona Tribes Meet with Governor Dean

Via The Arizona Democratic Party Blog

The blue dots have been connected and the ties have been strengthened as Native American leaders met with Howard Dean, the Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), on March 2 in Phoenix. Dean’s visit symbolizes the DNC’s outreach efforts to Native Americans, a goal that Dean hopes to improve and expand on in the coming years.

Many Native American communities across the nation say that Democrats have neglected Indian Country and their concerns have been ignored for years. Native Americans have recently made some headway into Washington, D.C. and Dean hopes to strengthen these political ties in order to elevate concerns of Native Americans.

The Democratic Party recently increased outreach efforts throughout America and Dean advocated for more Native American political involvement. “We will build a stronger Native America through a government-to-government relationship. We will have a better presence and improve communication. I want a government that meets with Native Americans on a regular basis,” said Dean to a room-full of Native American leaders and community political activist from throughout Arizona.

Dean said that the Democratic Party will empower the Native Americans and no one will be left out. The Democratic Party has the most Native American Democratic employees than ever before and they pride themselves on its diversity. Dean explains that “it is an important partnership for us all.”

Arizona State Sen. Albert Hale explained that Native Americans are frustrated by being told over and over that there is no money for their programs, “this is common among all Native nations and we hear the same answer every year of no money. All the money is being diverted to Iraq. We need to get beyond the rhetoric and get things organized. We need to strengthen Native American ties to the Democratic Party and I want to see a cabinet-level position in the White House, get a representative from Indian Country.”

“Native Americans have been patient and respectful long enough,” said Wendsler Nosie, Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. “I feel sad that nothing has changed, no one has worked with us. A partnership with the U.S. Government is needed. Native Americans need to be proactive and educate themselves about the issues. The education will eventually filter back down to our younger generation. I see change and I want Native Americans to move into the county, state, and federal levels.”

Voter turnout in the last Congressional elections certainly recognized the voting power that Native American nations possess. Lamont Yazzie from the Office of the Navajo Nation President and Vice-President, said that American Indian communities continue to play a role in the success of the Democratic Party. “The Native American voter turn-out continues to increase. We need to continue the challenge in educating the U.S. Congress about their unique relationship with Indian Nations. Our two-prong approach should be to continue exercising our sovereignty in government-to-government relations and increase our participation.”

Arista LaRusso, Democratic Party Tribal Outreach Director, said that the visit by Dean was groundbreaking. Dean had a chance to listen and discuss concerns with Arizona’s tribal leaders. LaRusso explained that the DNC passed a resolution supporting Native Americans on December 3, 2005 and the Arizona Democratic Party continues to make inroads to further the foundation between the tribes and the Democratic Party.

Dean is excited that the increased participation of Native Americans across the country will make the difference in the mid-term Congressional elections in 2008. LaRusso explained that she would like to see more meetings like this held in the future. “The Party has reached out and Native Americans need to take the initiative to participate and make their concerns known. Let them [Democratic Party] know who they would like to see in office and what initiative and referendums will affect their tribes. Many times, we think we don’t make a difference, but in reality we do. Vote and be heard.”

For more information about the Arizona Democratic Party, visit their website at www.azdem.org and in Coconino County – www.ccdem.org. For further questions, please contact Joshua Lavar Butler, Director of Public Relations – Coconino County Democratic Party.

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