Ms. Pratte emphasized that no other segment of the population is more in need of a functioning U.S. administration, since the 578 tribal Indian governments depend on having a partner that listens and learns.
Both speakers emphasized that Native voting could help swing the election, especially in Arizona where 4.5% of the population is considered American Indian according to the Census. The local Navajo nation has experienced one of the most devastating outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country. So the Democratic Party and the Kansas congresswoman are urging widespread use of mail-in ballots.
An Arizona listener pointed out that the mail-in ballot push might encounter a significant cultural obstacle: historically the Navajo nation has held tribal elections the same day as the federal election, encouraging voters to gather centrally. This creates additional incentives for traveling long distances to vote -- and welcome opportunities for friends and family to socialize. Voting safely in the pandemic is going to force people to adopt a new, isolating, individualistic practice. This is tough where the internet is scarce and where postal facilities are few.
It was agreed that the most useful method for reaching out to explain mail-in voting to tribal members would be local radio.
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| Counties with large Native American populations with reported infection rates above 1,500 cases per 100,000 residents. New York Times |
The pandemic has been brutal in Indian country. And Indian country can help make a difference for us all.
1 comment:
It is a shame it takes a pandemic to once again focus of the needs in Indian communities. On TV yesterday and I forget the station, they were showing their need for running water no less.
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