Indigenous leaders show up in force at Democratic National Convention

The selection of Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan as one of the co-chairs of the Democratic convention leaves many Indigenous attendees feeling excited and included

The crowd of around 150 stood, and the roar of applause filled the Native American Caucus meeting room at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Caucus members were visibly shocked, many had smiles, and there were even some gasps when Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is the Democratic running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, strolled onto the stage with his signature smile and hearty wave. 

“Coach! Coach! Coach!” the crowd chanted, as if they were at a football game. 

“There’s something in Minnesota we take very seriously,” Walz said. “It’s tribal sovereignty. It’s not lip service. It’s actions and it’s not when it’s convenient to have tribal sovereignty. It’s every single day about every single decision that needs to be made.”

The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off on Monday, Aug. 19, with more than 100 Indigenous leaders in the audience — some elected to local and state offices, others representing tribal nations or civic engagement organizations.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, White Earth Nation, was announced as one of four co-chairs for this year’s political convention and she will be giving the land acknowledgement during the main programming Monday evening.

The convention will conclude on Thursday evening with Harris, the presumed Democratic presidential nominee, accepting the nomination. 

If Harris and Walz are elected, Flanagan would ascend to governor of Minnesota, becoming the first Native American woman in the nation to become governor. 

Mayor Regina Romero of Tucson, Arizona, told Native American Caucus members that a vote for Harris/Walz is a vote for Flanagan. 

“Which is so, so exciting, and would be an additional feather in the history that we’re making by electing Vice President Harris,” Romero told ICT.

The DNC decision to highlight Flanagan has been a positive for Indigenous caucus members and attendees. 

“It’s exciting. It’s exciting to look at. It’s important for women leadership, Indigenous women in leadership, and to make sure that we have a voice, and that we have a place,” Gena Kakkak, chairwoman of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, said. 

North Dakota state legislator, Jayme Davis — who is running for reelection — said it made the convention feel more inclusive and welcoming. She also praised Flanagan for stepping into these roles. 

“I know it can’t be easy, but she has so much support, and we just love seeing her,” Davis, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, said. 

Davis has been following the political career of Flanagan for a while. 

“She is just a rock star,” Davis said. 

With the inclusion of Flanagan, the Democratic Party is clearly trying to show its focus on the Native vote. It doesn’t end there. Some of the top Democratic leaders in the nation — DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Walz — all made speeches during the first meeting of the Native American Caucus. 

Booker gave an impassioned speech. 

“The vote of our Native people swung the difference from Joe Biden clashing with the Senate over and over again, not being able to get cabinet officials appointed to him being able to have undoubtedly the most productive presidency of my lifetime,” Booker said. “From my brother (U.S. Sen. Jon) Tester, to my sisters in Nevada to Arizona, you can go through the states in which the Native vote was the defining feature of which way that state went.”

He ended by saying,”That is the strength of our ancestors, those who stood on the hills, stood in the storms, put themselves at risk, and so now us, inheritors of that legacy I ask you, will you stand with me on the hill? Will you stand for women’s rights? Will you stand for civil rights? Will you stand for voting rights?”

Everyone at the caucus meeting stood, clapped and cheered. 

The main programming of the Democratic National Convention will start Monday night at 5:15 p.m. Central Time, and will be livestreamed. The theme for the first night’s programming is “For the People.”

In addition to Flanagan, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, first lady Jill Biden, and President Joe Biden will give speeches during the evening.

Dateline:

CHICAGO