For the first time, the Alaska Federation of Natives has endorsed a candidate for president — Hillary Clinton.
In a news release, the organization said Clinton will help further self-determination and sovereignty for Native people, while Donald Trump would marginalize and “dramatically” weaken the trust relationship between Native Americans and the federal government.
AFN President Julie Kitka told the audience at the Tribal Leaders Conference Wednesday morning the AFN board decided to weigh in on the upcoming presidential election.
“This is the first time in AFN’s 50 year history that we’ve ever endorsed a presidential candidate,” Kitka said.
Kitka said the gesture isn’t intended to tell anyone how to vote, but is meant to show “leadership” at a critical time for politics that directly impact Alaska Native peoples. The three-page resolution lists Clinton’s promises and record on issues relevant to indigenous communities.
“Our number one thing is we don’t want to be marginalized, we don’t want to be a target where all we’re doing is raising money for litigation and fighting for our rights,” Kitka said. “We want to establish our rights and build on them and have a future for our children and grandchildren.”
The resolution does not mention the name of Clinton’s opponent, Republican Donald J. Trump.
Zachariah Hughes reports on city & state politics, arts & culture, drugs, and military affairs in Anchorage and South Central Alaska.
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