Brenda Hoskie represents Navajo culture at 2024 Democratic National Convention
Submitted Brenda Hoskie
Courtesy
Brenda Hoskie poses on the blue carpet in a traditional blouse and a skirt with U.S. presidential nominee Kamala Harris illustrations at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times
WINDOW ROCK – Brenda Hoskie, a proud Navajo woman from Springstead, New Mexico, and the chair of the McKinley County Democratic Party, recently represented both her county and Native heritage as a delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. This annual event, which brings together party leaders from across the country, was an opportunity for Hoskie to represent the voice of her community on the national stage.
A lifelong advocate for her people and an active participant in both state and tribal politics, Hoskie’s journey to the convention was built on decades of service. “Being elected to represent McKinley County and the Navajo Nation was a tremendous honor,” Hoskie shared. “It’s important for our Native voices to be heard, especially when it comes to decisions that impact our communities, like access to water, electricity, and healthcare.”
Throughout the convention, Hoskie wore traditional Navajo attire, infusing her cultural heritage into the event. One of her most memorable outfits featured a velvet skirt adorned with pearls—a nod to Vice President Kamala Harris’s signature pearls—and a slogan in Navajo, “Navajos for Kamala.” This powerful statement helped highlight the intersection of her Navajo identity and her role as a delegate, while also sparking conversations about Native representation in politics.
Reflecting on her experience, Hoskie said the convention was a source of tremendous energy and inspiration. “The energy there was phenomenal. I still feel it now, and I’ve brought it back to share with my community,” she explained.
For Hoskie, this moment wasn’t just about politics; it was about inspiring future generations. “Our grandmothers, our aunties—they taught us that we have to do something, to not just sit there. I want young Navajo women to see that you can go further than the stars, that our voices are powerful.”
Hoskie’s participation in the convention marks another chapter in her ongoing efforts to engage her community to get out and vote. Whether it’s through voter registration, community outreach, or her work with the Democratic Party, she continues to share the importance of voting and engagement in local government.
As she returns to New Mexico, Hoskie is more determined than ever to encourage her fellow Navajos to get involved, particularly in the upcoming elections. “I think our native voices are very important and need to be heard,” she said.
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