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Guest Writer: David Gomez, Taos Pueblo, Santa Fe, N.M.
Governor Howard Dean entered the heart of Indian Country this morning and connected with tribal representatives from around the nation. He outlined his positions on health care, education, economic opportunity and an end to institutional racism in a small group setting with tribal leaders and in his address to the 60th annual session of the National Congress of American Indians.
Gov. Dean won over New Mexico's highest Indian elected official, Linda Lovejoy, a Navajo and former state representative who is the chair of the state's Public Regulatory Commission. "He's right there for me on all the issues," she said after Gov. Dean spoke to a small gathering of supporters.
The governor's address to the NCAI's general assembly drew him a standing ovation. At the conclusion of his remarks, NCAI officials draped Gov. Dean in a Pendleton blanket in recognition of his leadership and courtesy in appearing at NCAI. The crowd cheered at the mention of the names of his co-chairs of his Indian advisory team, former principal chief of the Cherokee nation Wilma Mankiller and LaDonna Harris, head of Americans for Indian Opportunity. The Indian advisory team is believed to be unique to the Dean campaign.
One Arizona tribal leader was compelled to comment from the floor at the end of the address, and said that as someone who has seen Gov. Dean speak on three occasions, that he is always impressed by the Governor's kindness and respect.
From the perspective of an Indian Dean activist who will be working on GOTV for our February ’04 caucuses, Gov. Dean's personal appearance at NCAI will provide a huge boost to our outreach efforts to the Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache tribes and urban Indians as well. Our people will remember who made the trip out West for this event, and who did not.
Those who heard either or both of his talks this morning will remember his candor, his commitment to empowerment, and ability to respond to their concerns.
For more information on the above, or on Indian (that's what we call ourselves) issues, see www.indianz.com or www.ncai.org and review Gov. Dean's Indian platform.
David Gomez (Taos Pueblo)
Santa Fe, NM
www.blogforamerica.com
As a New Mexican, I am proud to support Howard Dean!
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