Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and the Kamala Harris campaign made a stop in Window Rock, Arizona, on Saturday to speak to Navajo Nation voters as “Yiiyah Man” chants and Skoden Vote signs filled Veterans Memorial Park.
Former Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, the first to address the crowd, encouraged voters to join him in backing Walz and Vice President Harris at the polls.
“The one vote counts,” he said. “It’s a sacred duty to vote.”
Shirley said former President Donald Trump plans to steal from tribes and those on people on Social Security.
David Tsosie sang a song and led a tribal elder prayer for the candidates.
“We really feel that they're special people, because they talk a lot about the issues that are really close,” Tsosie said.
Protection for the campaign headquarters throughout the state of Arizona was mentioned in his prayer.
Johnathan Nez, former Navajo Nation president, spoke on the power of voting.
“As Native Americans, our voices have long been marginalized, but now is the time for us to reclaim our power and make our presence felt,” Nez said.
Voting is not just a right, but it’s a responsibility held by citizens fought for by the ancestors that came before, he said.
No access to the polls, language barriers, and misinformation are all barriers Native voters face, Nez said.
Nez suggested arranging rides to the polls and sharing accurate information about the election and voting to family members.
“By voting, you are on the front lines,” he said. “Let us honor our warriors who protected our freedoms and help expand democracy throughout the world by voting in this election.”
Deb Haaland, Secretary of the Interior, made an appearance to share the plans and interest in middle class America that Harris holds.
Both candidates have been advocates for Native American communities in cultural preservation and economic growth, Haaland said.
Haaland mentioned the tax relief that would expand the Child Tax Credit, including an additional $6,000 for families with a newborn child.
“Let's make sure that once you have your plan to vote, you help someone else make theirs, your aunties, your uncles, your grandmas, your grandmas, your nieces and nephews and sons and daughters and children, everyone,” she said.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren gave an address about the apology U.S. President Joe Biden made days before and the change Walz has brought to tribes in Minnesota.
“President Biden was the first American president to say, ‘I apologize,’” Nygren said.
Nygren spoke to the efforts led by Walz to preserve tribal communities and his visits to all 11 nations in Minnesota.
“In 2021, Gov. Walz signed a bill codifying government to government relations with tribal consultation into law,” he said.
Nygren said he would be casting his vote for Harris and Walz.
Ian Teller introduced Walz on stage as the governor walked on with a necklace gifted to him, waving to the crowd and pointing to Tségháhoodzání, the Shiprock formation in the background.
Walz thanked the nation for welcoming him and choosing to spend their time at the rally that day.
He also give thanks to the veterans as he referenced the park where the rally was held.
“Native Americans have served this country in uniform in every major conflict for over 200 years,” he said.
Walz started by saying that he and his running mate recognizes the promises made to Indigenous people.
“We will safeguard and strengthen the bonds between our nations and uphold our trust in treaty obligations,” he said. “The highest law is to honor tribal sovereignty, promote tribal consultation and ensure tribal self-determination across this country.”
According to Walz, more than 200 post-stewardship agreements were signed by Harris, meaning tribes would have authority over what happens to tribal land.
The task force on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People was included in the speech and the work that needs to be continued.
If tribal nations are doing well, the country is doing well, Walz said.
About 100 million Americans will see a tax cut, according to Walz.
Walz also spoke about cutting prices for prescription drugs, saying the Harris administration would cap the price on insulin at $35.
“We know that diabetes runs higher in Indian Country,” he said.
Health care for seniors was also mentioned and the need for reliable emergency medical technicians both on the reservation and in America.
“We've got to have a plan – and what that plan is?,” he said “To vote.”
Walz closed his speech with a call using the Harris slogan, shouting with the audience, ‘When we vote, we win.”
