Verite News columnist Brandi Liberty holding a photo of her grandmother, Ethil Liberty (Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska), age 9, on the day the Indian Citizenship Act was enacted in 1924 and she became a US citizen. Credit: Brandi Liberty

Native Americans have found themselves amidst a complex narrative in this presidential election cycle Only in the last 100 years have Native Americans had the right to vote in U.S. elections, with the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. However, many states continued to prevent Native Americans from voting, citing reasons such as not paying taxes, being under guardianship of the U.S., illiteracy in English, and being too closely tied to tribal culture.

Historically, Native Americans have often been marginalized in electoral statistics, frequently categorized as “other.” In states like Louisiana, voting statistics are typically classified by race—white, Black, and other—leaving Native Americans lumped into a generalized category that fails to recognize their distinct identity. In the 2022 midterm elections, Native American voters largely supported Democratic candidates, with 56% voting for Democrats and 40% for Republicans. Native American voter turnout numbers were not provided. Native American voters still face lower outreach compared to other racial and ethnic groups, with only 42% reporting contact from political parties. Approximately 66% of eligible Native Americans were registered to vote, leaving around 1.5 million unregistered. Native American voters have played a crucial role in determining election outcomes in states like the Dakotas, Alaska, and parts of the Southwest, as well as in Congressional districts across many other states.

During a rally in Arizona, Vice President Kamala Harris said:  “I will always honor tribal sovereignty and respect tribal self-determination.” These are words often spoken by the federal government, but rarely has action followed. During the Biden-Harris administration, however, tribal communities have seen significant progress, with unprecedented funding flowing into these communities.  One of the key advancements has been the Executive Order on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations, issued on December 6, 2023. The order aims to enhance tribal sovereignty by improving how the U.S. government administers funding and support programs for Tribal Nations. It acknowledges the harms caused by past federal policies and seeks to build upon the progress of the last 50 years by prioritizing tribal self-determination.

The order also focuses on reducing administrative burdens, promoting flexibility and autonomy for tribes, recognizing tribal sovereignty, and supporting tribal capacity. It empowers Tribal Nations by giving them greater control over federal resources and reducing the bureaucratic limiting their autonomy.

However, these advancements are at risk of being undone if Project 2025, a plan proposed by the far-right, threatens tribes along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Louisiana, in several ways.

Environmental degradation and coastal erosion are significant concerns for Gulf Coast tribes. Project 2025’s emphasis on expanding offshore oil and natural gas drilling, coupled with the rollback of environmental regulations, could lead to further degradation of coastal lands that many Louisiana tribes rely on.

The rollback of protections under laws like the Antiquities Act could lead to the destruction of culturally significant sites along the Gulf Coast. These sites are vital for the preservation of tribal heritage and ongoing cultural practices. The removal of protections could result in the loss of sacred sites, historical landmarks, and natural resources that are integral to the identity of Gulf Coast tribes.

Project 2025 also could undermine the economic stability of these tribes. The focus on traditional energy sources over renewable energy and other forms of economic development could limit economic opportunities for tribes in Louisiana, making them more dependent on industries that may not align with their environmental and cultural values.

Project 2025’s proposed reduction in federal support programs, such as those related to environmental protection, economic development, and social services, could weaken the ability of Louisiana tribes to manage their lands and resources effectively. Without sufficient federal support, tribes may struggle to maintain their sovereignty and self-determination, especially in the face of external pressures from industrial interests.

As Native Americans, it is crucial that we exercise our right to vote to protect our sovereignty, our lands, and our future. 

Most Read Stories

Louisiana Senate slams door on reconsidering older split-jury convictions Louisiana Senate slams door on reconsidering older split-jury convictions 
10 key facts about the mighty Mississippi River, one of the nation’s most important waterways10 key facts about the mighty Mississippi River, one of the nation’s most important waterways
Daughter of woman killed in hit ordered by NOPD officer holds final memorialDaughter of woman killed in hit ordered by NOPD officer holds final memorial
Prosecutors ask appeals court to reinstate death sentence for Jimmie Duncan

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Creative Commons License

Brandi Liberty is an enrolled member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska and a descendant of the United Houma Nation in Southern Louisiana. She is the owner of The Luak Group and its subsidiary...