Which candidate understands the core issues that matter to Indian Country here in Vermont?

Written by: Administrator

Who understands poverty?

Who understands the concept of minority communities?

Who has seen and lived in areas of abject poverty, of poor health conditions?

Who has experienced the merging of different cultures?

Who has lived in places where the indigenous people, whose very lands were taken, are disenfranchised and have little voice in the big decisions that affect them?

Who has continuously upheld Tribal sovereignty through support of policies for self-determination and self-governance, and has indicated support for legal protection of sacred places and cultural traditions.

Who has proven that he will indeed be a serious champion for Indian Country, focusing on the issues that affect native people living here in Vermont?

Who understands the need to protect our natural resources, and to diversify our tribal economies through economic development and entrepreneurship with tax incentives to spur our tribal economies?

The reality is that many of our nation's problems – and those of our community – aren't going to be solved until we abandon the politics of fear and have an honest dialogue with one another.

Despite a cultural and linguistic revival, little attention seems to have been given to native issues in the national discourse. Demographically, we continue to be one of the poorest populations, with the highest unemployment rate, and the greatest risk for health-related issues in this country.

Above all, who represents the kind of real change that Indian Country will need to address the issues facing our community.