Several Democratic presidential candidates have appeared at the Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum today at Sioux City’s Orpheum Theater.
Former Maryland Congressman John Delaney took questions on wide range of issues from rescinding medals given to soldiers who took part in Native American massacres to opioid addiction.
Delaney was also asked how he would try to improve the chronically underfunded Indian health service hospitals and clinics.
Delaney said he would work to improve them and to allow Native Americans to take advantage of his proposed universal health care program.
“I would want the national, universal health care system that I build for all the citizens of this country to be available to your community.”
However, Winnebago Tribal Council Member and Chair of National Indian Health board Victoria Kitcheon told Delaney that universal health care was not the answer for Native Americans.
“Sir, I just have to respond, that would not work for Indian country, universal health care, we are a distinct political nation, and please just put that out of your mind on a solution for Indian country.”
Also set to speak today, California Senator Kamala Harris on Skype, and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio who will speak in person.
And, the Iowa State Fair’s “Cast Your Kernel” presidential poll results are in.
And, for the first time ever in the 15 years of the poll almost exactly as many fairgoers voted for a Democratic candidate for president as a Republican.
Republican candidates did get 115 more votes for a total of 33,280.
In 2008, Barack Obama was the only Democrat to ever win the “Cast Your Kernel” poll.
The results for the Democratic candidates for president had Joe Biden with 25% of support, Pete Buttigieg was second with 18%, Elizabeth Warren third with 15%, Kamala Harris with 11% and rounding out the top five Bernie Sanders with 8%.
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The Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum continued today at the Orpheum Theater in Sioux City. California Senator Kamala Harris answered several questions via Skype about the sovereignty of tribal lands.
One panel member asked Harris if she would support a kind of Marshal Plan, which was used to rebuild Europe after WWII, to rebuild tribal lands and societies. Harris said it would be a good idea.
“There needs to be much more focus in a very organized way that is about addressing the harm, addressing the impact, addressing the generational impact, and how, moving forward, we can make sure that we are acknowledging it.”
Harris also said there should be tribal consultations with cabinet members on several issues affecting native Americans including the status of tribal lands and climate change. Still to speak at today’s forum: Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio.