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Native Americans at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are focusing in on how to get Native voters to the polls in November.
National Native News anchor Antonia Gonzales is at the DNC and has more.
Tribal leaders and Native vote organizers say they’re working to protect Native voting rights and are reaching out to people in tribal communities encouraging them to vote.
Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis says he’s an advocate for his people.
At the convention this week, the leader was seen holding his cellphone and sending a video message out on social media to his community.
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“That’s going back home. That’s going back to the Gila River Indian Community and all, hopefully all of the 22 tribes in Arizona. As we know, the need of vote is going to be critical, especially in Arizona, the battleground state as well.”
After listening to a panel on the Native Vote 2024, Gena Kakkak, chairwoman of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, says she sees the value in talking to community members about voting.
“To make sure that we get them to the polls. Looking at that younger generation, the 18-to-24-year olds having them engaged and participating. And just really encouraging that message to get out and vote and to make sure that our voices are being heard.”
Debbie Nez-Manuel, Arizona DNC Committeewoman, says it’s helpful attending the convention, where she’s hearing and learning about Native vote efforts across the country and in her state.
“This morning we heard from the Arizona Political Network that Montana produced over 60,000 voters and that was really powerful.”
Judith LeBlanc, Executive director of the Native Organizers Alliance, says her group’s efforts are on the grassroots level.
“We’ve been organizing since dirt. We know how to organize. We do know what the problems are. So, what we need is the opportunity to voice those during the election because, guess what, on election day, that’s a snapshot of the organized power of our communities.”
LeBlanc says the Native vote contributes to building healthy and safe tribal communities.
Oglala Sioux Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out stands with staff of Native Women’s Health Care during its reopening ceremony. Photo: Lee Strubinger / SDPB)
A Rapid City-based clinic is reopening its doors after not seeing patients for nearly a year and a half.
SDPB’s Lee Strubinger has more on the Native Women’s Health Care.
The clinic hadn’t seen patients since April of 2023.
A report from last year pointed to staffing issues leading to a large drop in appointments starting in 2021.
Clinic officials say it offers OBGYN services, prenatal care, and STI testing.
It will still refer deliveries to Monument Health.
The clinic has hired a midwife and registered nurse.
Clinic director Waysha White Face says patients should schedule appointments immediately.
“And as fast as you can. We announced last week that we were opening up for this week and we filled up within two days. The service is very needed here, especially to our native American women here in the community.”
The services are available to Indian Health Service-eligible tribal members.
The clinic was funded through an agreement with OST, Rosebud, and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes.
Earlier this year, Rosebud and Cheyenne River pulled their funding, citing concerns the clinic had not seen patients for over a year.
Enrolled Rosebud and Cheyenne River members now go to Oyate Health Clinic for women’s health services.
Oglala Sioux Tribal president Frank Star Comes Out says it’s unfortunate the other tribes pulled out.
He says OST found resources to reopen the Native Women’s Health Clinic.
“I’m glad its finally happening. This is going to be huge, I believe, in the future because of the need. Looking forward to seeing that in the future for our membership.”
Star Comes Out says he’s confident the clinic will remain open beyond his administration.
This story has been corrected to better reflect who is eligible for services. Original reporting said it was limited to enrolled Oglala Sioux Tribal members.
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