- Details
- By Neely Bardwell
Native Vote 2024. KALAMAZOO, Mich. — On Wednesday, July 17, Vice President Kamala Harris visited a key battleground state for the upcoming election, Michigan, on behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign. The event took place at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo with the Vice President surrounded by old planes and other aircraft.
Wednesday was the Vice President Harris' fourth trip to Michigan this year and seventh since taking office.
Harris delivered remarks and participated in a conversation with Olivia Troye, a former Trump-Pence administration national security official, and Amanda Stratton, a Michigan mother and former Republican voter.
Amanda Stratton shared her personal experiences with infertility and miscarriage, highlighting the importance of access to reproductive healthcare. She expressed gratitude for the right to make decisions in consultation with her doctors and emphasized the need to safeguard reproductive healthcare.
Olivia Troye, who referred to herself as a “recovering Republican,” spoke about her experience working in the Trump Administration and emphasized the importance of voting for Biden at the threat of a ban on abortion under the Trump administration.
Harris started by greeting the audience and praising U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow for her years of hospitality. Before getting into any campaign talk, the Vice President extended her sympathies to the Trump family and family of the man killed in an attempted assassination at a Trump rally last week.
“The bottom line is no one should have to fear for the safety of a loved one because they serve in public office,” said Harris. “Our heart goes out to the family of Corey Comperatore, a true hero who died protecting his family.”
The Vice President spoke with a campaign slogan banner that read “Trust Women” behind her. Like Stratton and Troye, she emphasized the importance of having reproductive freedom and the right to choose.
“The hallmark of any democracy is a strong competition of ideas, policies, and a vision for the future. And just as we must reject political violence, we must also embrace a robust discussion about what is at stake in this election. The surest way to reaffirm the strength of our democracy is by engaging in a vigorous and civil exchange of ideas,” said Harris. “It is not time to throw up our hands, it is time to roll up our sleeves.”
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
NTU Men’s Skyhawks Host Competitive Basketball Tryouts
AIANTA Seeks International Travelers to Visit Indian Country at Conference
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
