Native Community Members Convene at the Inaugural Land, Culture, and Democracy Gathering

Scottsdale, AZ, July 23, 2024 – Amid the scorching Arizona desert, hundreds of Native community members convened at the inaugural Land, Culture, and Democracy gathering. A significant bipartisan event hosted by the National Leadership Institute focused on reclaiming political power and highlighting the importance of Native American voting capital to political candidates. The multi-state coalition emphasized the necessity of addressing Native issues within the corridors of power in the 2024 election.

"The core issues revolve around securing tribal homelands, sustaining the cultural lifeways of the more than 574 U.S. Native Nations, and protecting a democracy that upholds tribal sovereignty and the freedom for American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to live as they choose upon their lands, practice cultural traditions, and speak their ancestral languages," stated Loris Taylor, President and CEO of Native Public Media.

Jordan James Harvill, NLI's national program director, said Native Americans want representation at all levels of government. "Three hundred forty-four Native Americans hold elected offices today. A common misconception is that Native leaders only serve Native people. We now have a record-breaking 108 Native American Democrats, 26 Republicans, and 49 non-partisans running for public office, with sixty-four being first-time candidates."

Harvill also points out that political candidates must engage with the Native American electorate in relatable and culturally resonant ways. He also highlighted the pivotal role of women in Native communities, stating, "They are the glue that holds our communities together."

Taylor said Native Public Media’s Broadcast Service Program brings electoral and voting information to Tribal communities across fifteen states. “Tribal citizens are often the swing vote in key states, and information about where to register or vote is an important service we provide for bi-partisan organizations that want to reach the Tribal electorate.”