- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Native Vote 2024. Join United Indian Nations for a day dedicated to empowering Native American voters at the Tribal Sovereignty 101 and Candidates Forum presented by United Indian Nations of Oklahoma (UINO). This event is part of the Warrior Up to Vote Tour, designed to register Native voters, amplify Tribal voices and unite Tribal citizens to pursue a pro-sovereignty agenda in Oklahoma.
This event is crucial for registering Native American voters ahead of Oklahoma’s Oct. 11 registration deadline to address policy issues such as economic development, criminal justice, health care, and education in Indian Country. Participation is nonpartisan, and all local, state, and federal candidates are welcome to attend.
The event is free and open to the public.
Full schedule of events:
9:00 a.m. - Opening Session
-
Opening Prayer: Bruce Pratt, UINO Treasurer
-
Welcome by Host Tribe: Principal Chief David Hill, Muscogee Nation
-
Welcome Remarks: Margo Gray, UINO Executive Director
-
Tribal Leader Remarks: Ben Barnes, UINO Chairperson and Chief of the Shawnee Tribe
9:15 a.m. - Oklahoma Native Caucus update
-
Invited Speakers: Rep. Ken Luttrell (HD-37), Rep. Ajay Pittman (HD-99)
9:30 a.m. - Tribal Sovereignty 101
Featuring:
-
Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians
-
Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shawnee Tribe
-
David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee Nation
-
Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman, Indian Gaming Association
-
Wilson Pipestem, Pipestem Law
-
Arvo Mikkanen, Chairman Oklahoma Indian Bar Association
Noon - Networking Luncheon
Lunch provided by UINO
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Candidates Forum
Candidates will introduce themselves and answer questions regarding their positions on tribal sovereignty and critical issues facing Indian Country.
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Warrior Up to Vote Rally
Native American entertainers Native Zahn McClarnon and Tatanka Means, with live entertainment by DJ Chance Rush.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Online Post-Election Survey Shows Trump-Harris Split, Reservation Divide
Six Native American Women Making a Difference in Indian Country
Google Celebrates Native American Heritage Month with a Doodle Using a Kayak
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
