Happy Monday!
Here are some of the articles you may have missed this past weekend:
The Meaning Behind Deb Haaland’s Historic Primary Win
When I think about Haaland, I think of what she represents to Native people. The Navajo woman’s desire to meet Haaland and the fulfillment of her wish personified for me Haaland’s significance to Indian Country. Her words were a reminder that Haaland’s appointment represented more than a historic political milestone. For many Native people, it was proof that the highest levels of government could finally include someone who understood their history, their communities, and their lived experiences.
On Tuesday evening, soon after the polls closed in New Mexico, the Associated Press called the Democratic gubernatorial primary winner: Deb Haaland.
She defeated Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, winning 72% of the vote to Bregman’s 28%. The margin reflected a broad base of support across the state and an early consolidation of Democratic voters behind Haaland’s historic candidacy. Historic because If elected, she will become the first Native American woman to ever be elected governor of a state.
Warm Springs Chairman Voices Concern Over Columbia River Following White Liquor Spill
The chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is calling for transparency and environmental accountability following the white liquor spill at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, Washington.
In a statement released this week, Warm Springs Tribal Chairman Dennis White III expressed condolences to the families of workers who died in the industrial accident but also emphasized the tribe’s concerns about potential impacts to the Columbia River.
“First and foremost, we are saddened to hear of the workers who lost their lives in Longview,” White said. “We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to their families, friends, coworkers, and the entire Longview community during this difficult time.”
White said the tribe has a responsibility to speak for the Columbia River, which has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations.
Mary Peltola (Yup’ik) Gets Blamed for Second Dan Sullivan Entering GOP Senatorial Primary
The candidacy of Dan J. Sullivan has drawn criticism from the senator’s campaign and Republican allies, who argue that voters could mistakenly cast ballots for the wrong candidate because of the shared name. Some Republicans have suggested the challenger’s campaign is intended to siphon votes away from the incumbent.
The senator’s campaign blames the Democrat Mary Peltola (Yup’ik), who is running for the seat occupied by Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, her campaign, or the Alaska Democratic Party for Dan J. Sullivan entering the race.
However, both the Alaska Democratic Party and former U.S. Representative Mary Peltola’s political allies have denied any involvement. No public evidence has been presented linking Democratic groups to the candidacy.
