Progressive Democrat Issue 115: PRESIDENTIAL FORUMS IN INDIAN COUNTRY

In 2006, the Indigneous Democratic Network, set up by Kalyn Free of the Choctaw Nation, helped elect an unprecedented number of Native Americans across America. They continue to strengthen the voice of Native Americans in politics. They are working to set up forums for the Presidential Candidates on Reservations (called Prez on the Rez). Bill Richardson is the first candidate to commit to participte in these forums and the idea is supported by Howard Dean, head of the DNC. The first such forum is being planned for the Morongo Reservation in California.

We are excited to announce that we have selected the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, California to host Prez on the Rez on August 23, 2007.

“No major presidential campaign event has ever come to Indian Country,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “This represents a historic opportunity for this country's First Americans to take a direct role in the future of America by holding a national level forum for presidential candidates. We couldn't be more proud to make history for Indian Country by hosting this extraordinary event.”

The announcement, and the official launch of Prez on the Rez, was held in conjunction with the winter executive meeting of the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, DC. In a speech at that meeting, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico became the first presidential candidate to commit to Prez on the Rez.

“The Morongo tribe has been a visionary leader with nationwide impact when it comes to supporting efforts to build political power in Indian Country, not just for their own tribe, but for Indians everywhere,” said Free. “American Indians are becoming a recognized and active force in the American political process. The Prez on the Rez forum represents an important next step in Indian Country's activism.”

Free said that the Morongo Band was chosen because of the caliber of the facilities and resources that the Morongo Tribe can offer; for its accessible location in southern California for both participants and national media; and California's decision to hold its primary in February, 2008.

The regional media is already excited about this historic event, with stories running in the Riverside Press-Enterprise and the Palm Springs Desert Sun. Click here to go to our Media page, where you can view all the latest press coverage that Prez on the Rez is generating.

By now you know how important Prez on the Rez is for our Indian Nations. Others are recognizing its significance as well. Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has expressed his excitement to be attending Prez on the Rez. Over the next few weeks, we will be following up with major announcements about our confirmed candidates, speakers, and other special guests. Stay tuned to www.prezontherez.org/ for all the latest news and information.

Many of you have already supported ILEF and Prez on the Rez, but as we ramp up our publicity and planning, we need your help more than ever. Please visit our website and support our work.

I urge your support for INDN and I also urge you to lobby your chosen presidential candidate (if you have one) to participate in these historic forums.

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