American Indians Mobilize to Get Out the Vote

[bigtree]

By Maryann Ullmann
October 22, 2004

http://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/news/spotlight/spotlight_article.cfm?id=0E6063CD-9C54-4368-9AD1-33A15E897ECF®ion_id=6&subregion_id=0&issue_id=7

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"There has been and increased amount of political activity and voter registration efforts, this year more than ever before," said Alyssa Burhans, a member of Oregon's Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the organizing director for the Native American Voters initiative, operated by National Voice. "There are very sophisticated voter projects as well as grassroots, all-volunteer ones."

>>>>Native youth have huge potential as voters—about half the populations of the Pine Ridge Reservation and Navajo Nation are under age 25. Concert campaigns like the Rock the Native Vote and Rock the Rez Vote tours aim to engage youth in voting.

"This is a critical election, especially for Native peoples," said Robby Romero, whose band is on the road with Rock the Rez Vote. His band Robby Romero and Red Thunder has performed and spoken along with Native leaders, traditional drum groups, and local artists. "There are issues at play that will have a direct impact on life in indigenous communities throughout the world, such as the protection of sacred sites, human rights, and the environment."

Romero said he has been inspired by the young people he has met since the tour launched on October 15. "The desire to participate in the process coming from our indigenous youth, though they are not of voting age, tells the story," he said.

[revree]

1. Great news...

Native Americans more than any other group have been screwed by the Bushies.

[bigtree]

2. They could provide the margin in swing states like NM and Nevada

Others too.

[RevCheesehead]

15. especially Wisconsin!!!!!!!!

[ParanoidPat]

3. Your link is broken.....

.....try this one. :evilgrin: Thanks!

[kikiek]

4. I am very happy to hear that.

So many concerns.

[DaveinMD]

5. very important

for Tom Daschle's senate campaign.

[AntiCoup2K4]

8. Oh Hell yeah

Thune's goons are gonna use every trick in the book to screw the Indians out of their vote. Don't think that's gonna play well in Pine Ridge.

Hope it doesn't turn into Wounded Knee III. Hate to think of another innocent man wasting his life in prison because some election frauding Bushbot got shot.

[Leilani]

6. I hope they turn out in massive numbers

Their needs must be addressed by our govt.

[murielm99]

7. And their sovereignty.

Don't forget their sovereignty!

[Doohickie]

14. ...and Poland!

Don't forget Poland!




(this ad brought to you by Polish-Americans for Kerry!)

[jean]

9. In MN the repub governor demanded MN casino tribes cough up

$350 million to the state. He has done an ad for repubs running for office saying the Indians are ripping off the state. Hopefully this will incense the tribes and they'll all come out to put Pawlenty's pawns out.

[bigtree]

10. link (sorry)

http://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/news/spotlight/spotlight_article.cfm?id=0E6063CD-9C54-4368-9AD1-33A15E897ECF®ion_id=6&subregion_id=0&issue_id=7

[kwolf68]

11. Hey Bush and Scalia

I'm ready for a little strict interpretation...give the Indians their land back.

[MidwestMomma]

12. I am so grateful for their efforts and support

I feel that Native Americans are the spiritual guardians of this country and I'm happy they are on our side.

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. Excellent graphic!