Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund
Throughout yesterday evening and now today, I am filled with emotion with the news of the election of leaders across the nation, leaders who represent the diversity of this country, many making history as “firsts:” for both political parties: the first Native woman governor of any state, the first Native woman to the U.S. Senate, the first Black woman governor in any state, the first Black male governors in Florida and Wisconsin; the first Latino governor of California, and the first Latina governor of Texas. Minnesota, Ohio, and Tennessee will be swearing in their first female governors. And in Indian Country, both the Navajo Nation and the Seneca Nation elected their first women presidents.
This election reminds us that when all people raise their voices and stand up to be counted, we can make history.
But elections are about more than shattering records. We show up on Election Day to ensure the representation of our voices; the results of our showing up on that one day are part of our lifelong duty as citizens to maintain our democracy.
Our sacred responsibility as citizens includes ensuring our voices are heard at the polling place and with our elected officials as they navigate their responsibilities. We do this to help them make the important decisions that impact our lands, education, health, security, economic well-being, and cultures.
Today as we celebrate the diversity of our democracy and our nation’s historic firsts, I am reminded that we all have something to share that contributes to well-being and improved quality of life for all. Our voices and actions can make a difference in all elections, in all capacities: national, state, tribal, and more.
We know as an organization that provides access to education and ensures that our American Indian and Alaska Native citizens have the opportunity to succeed with college that who is in elected office is important to the stability of that access and success. We welcome the renewed and continued support of our elected leaders for education and as advocates for tribal sovereignty.
As our chosen elected officials get to work, let us congratulate them and pray for their wellbeing and thoughtful leadership. And let’s make plans to continue to lend our voices and share our concerns about our country and our communities with them so we contribute to and benefit from their leadership. for their success. My vision is that what today seems historic becomes commonplace, with diverse representation a norm in our diverse nation.
Congratulations to our Native American leaders!
- Josh Brecheen (Choctaw Nation), reelected Congressional Representative, Oklahoma
- Tom Cole (Chickasaw Nation), reelected Congressional Representative (and the longest serving Native American), Oklahoma
- Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk Nation), reelected Representative (and the longest serving Native American woman), Kansas
- Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Band of Ojibwe), Governor, Minnesota
- Deb Haaland (Pueblo of Laguna), Governor, New Mexico
- T.W. Shannon (Chickasaw Nation), Lieutenant Governor, Oklahoma
- Claire Valdez (Yseleta Del Sur Pueblo), Congressional Representative, New York
Check here for regular updates as results are finalized for Alaska and Arizona!
