fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

EAGLE BUTTE, S.D. — Harold Frazier, tribal chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, on Monday endorsed Democratic nominee, former vice president Joe Biden, for president of the United States and asked “that everyone vote for Joe Biden this election.”

The election is 28 days away on Nov. 3. Voting has already begun in 18 states.

Frazier, who has been at odds with the Trump administration over the tribal checkpoints at the borders of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation to stop the spread of Covid-19, says it is important to support a candidate for president who is willing to maintain a mutually respectful relationship between the federal government and tribal nations.

“Over the course of many years, I have had the opportunity to experience what it takes to lead a sovereign nation and I have seen the work Joe Biden did during his terms as vice president of the United States. I believe Mr. Biden will foster a mutually respectful relationship between the federal government and tribal nations,” Frazier said in his endorsement statement.

“It is important for all native nations to encourage tribal members to participate in the election process to ensure that tribal governments have a federal administration that is willing and welcoming of our desires of peace and honoring the treaties,” Frazier’s statement continued.

Perhaps as a jab at President Donald Trump, Frazier said, “We Native Americans are proud of our land and our participation in the beautifully diverse cultures we bring to this nation.”

In June 2020, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (Tribe) filed a complaint against President Donald Trump and 10 other members of his administration, including Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff; David Bernhardt, Secretary of the Interior; Tara MacLean Sweeney, Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator.

Frazier is now in his second term as chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. In addition to serving as his tribe’s chairman, he is president of the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association. During the Standing Rock resistance to the Dakota Access pipeline, Frazier was one of the most outspoken American Indians who spoke out against the pipeline. 

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has a population of almost 16,000 tribal citizens.

Last week, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council passed a resolution at a Sept. 30 council meeting supporting Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for president, marking the first time ever the tribe has supported a presidential candidate.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
CALL TO ACTION: The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act Needs Immediate Action
Q&A with Outgoing Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].