On last week’s Native Bidaské (Spotlight), Levi Rickert welcomed South Dakota state Sen. Red Dawn Foster (D) to discuss the midterm election. Foster is a Lakota/Diné woman running for her third term for South Dakota’s 27th State Senate district. This district encompasses the Pine Ridge Indian Reservatio
Foster, who has an MBA from Notre Dame University, joined Native Bidaské (Spotlight) to emphasize the importance of the Native youth vote and discuss her campaign.
“There's non-partisan efforts to make sure that Native citizens have access to go [vote], some of them are traveling an hour to the polls, so just making sure that they have rides. South Dakota was sued several years ago for the mechanism that suppressed the vote. We now have open precincts in Oglala Lakota County which means that instead of having to go to just one identified precinct that may not be close to where you work, we are the size of Connecticut, now if you are registered Oglala Lakota County you can go to the closest precinct and everything will be done in line.”
Today, Tuesday, is voting day, so make sure to get out and vote!
Editor's Note: Quotes have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Biinjwebinigedaa! - Let’s all Vote!
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (December 14, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Wounded Knee Massacre Site Protection Bill Passes Congress
Two Murdered on Colville Indian Reservation
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
