LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Voting for Harris a step in the right direction for indigenous communities
Published 12:28 pm Tuesday, August 20, 2024
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As a Native American, I must emphasize the critical importance of protecting our sovereignty, rights, and well-being. Voting for Donald Trump is a step in the wrong direction for our communities. His administration consistently undermined Indigenous sovereignty by promoting policies that threatened our lands, resources, and sacred sites. From attempts to reduce the size of national monuments that protect our ancestral lands to fast-tracking pipelines like Keystone XL and Dakota Access, Trump demonstrated a blatant disregard for Native American rights and environmental protections.
Moreover, Trump’s administration eroded the trust relationship between Native nations and the federal government, neglecting treaty obligations and ignoring our voices in crucial decision-making processes. Voting for Trump means endorsing policies that harm our communities and weaken our sovereignty.
Our ancestors fought tirelessly to protect our lands and rights, and we owe it to them and future generations to stand strong against any force that seeks to diminish our sovereignty. We must vote for leaders, such as Kamala Harris, who will honor our treaties and work collaboratively with Native nations to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all Indigenous people.
MigwÄ—tth (thank you),
Jason Gatties
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
Dowagiac, MI