Today, over 70 cities and universities across the U.S., plus the states of Alaska, Vermont, Minnesota, Oregon, Hawai’i (Discoverers’ Day), and South Dakota (Native Americans Day), celebrateIndigenous Peoples’ Day. This holiday commemorates native cultures that preceded colonization, and brings awareness to tribal sovereignty, policy issues, and contributions to what is now the United States.

The Trump administration tramples on Native American sovereignty and rights by allowing construction of the Dakota Access pipeline through traditional Standing Rock Sioux lands, proposing to build its egregious border wall across Native American lands, proposing privatization of tribal lands and services, and cutting millions of dollars from Indian country social services in the Dept. of Interior’s budget.

In North Dakota, where Sen. Heidi Heitkamp recently voted NO on confirmation of perjurer and credibly accused sexual predator Brett Kavanaugh, the state legislature passed a stringent voter ID law with a residential requirement targeting citizens living on Native American reservations. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in late September removed a lower court’s stay, even though early voting has already begun. On September 29, Native American voters sent an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Brett Kavanaugh now sits in judgment.

This episode of racially targeted and institutionalized voter suppression demonstrates the urgency of electing progressive champions at all levels and confirming judges who will stand up for civil and human rights.

We absolutely MUST elect more progressives to Congress, and we MUST ease voting restrictions across the country to allow a fully participatory democracy.

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2018 we ask you to help us elect Deb Haaland in NM-01 as the first Native American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress.

Isn’t it long past time to make Congress look more like America?

Thanks so much for anything you can do right now,

Debra Schrishuhn for Alan, Shayna, Mike H., Mike F., Janis, Kimberly, Bryan, Dan, and Dr. Bill– Your PDA National Team.

PS:  If you can’t make a financial contribution, you can still help by making easy calls from home on Deb’s behalf.  Email Mike Fox and he’ll get you all set up.