Walz rallies Navajo Nation support for Harris in upcoming election

Posted by Donovan Quintero | Oct 26, 2024 | News |

WINDOW ROCK

Minnesota Governor and vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz urged the Navajo community to cast their votes for him and Kamala Harris in the upcoming election on Nov. 5, during a pivotal rally held in the Navajo Nation capital on Saturday.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
A crowd of Navajo supporters stand in line waiting to meet vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz during a campaign rally in Window Rock on Saturday.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, Walz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to earn the Navajo vote, emphasizing the contributions of Native Americans to the military, particularly honoring the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers. He reinforced the importance of democracy, contrasting Harris’s commitment to bipartisan assistance with what he described as Donald Trump’s detrimental policies toward women, health care, and tribal communities.

“Kamala Harris is focused on helping all people, regardless of their political affiliation,” Walz said while outlining the candidates’ platform, which includes tax cuts for families, affordable health care, and substantive investments in tribal economies. He called on the Navajo Nation to recognize the stakes involved in the upcoming election and to mobilize for action.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Vice-presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz holds a rally at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday in Window Rock.

The rally also served as a platform for broader discussions about the Biden Administration’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and the need for genuine consultation with Indigenous leaders in decision-making processes. Walz highlighted the successful codification of consultation into law in Minnesota, advocating for fair and effective border security.

Addressing health disparities, Walz called for increased resources for the Indian Health Service and a greater number of health care providers in rural areas. He stressed the need for adequate support for veterans, including improved mental health services and attention to toxic exposure issues.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren echoed Walz’s sentiments, emphasizing the democratic candidates’ commitment to addressing Native American issues. He referenced the historical injustices faced by the Navajo Nation, such as the Long Walk and forced relocation, and praised President Biden’s recent apology to Native communities regarding the mistreatment of children in federal boarding schools.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren riles supporters before vice-presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz gets on stage during a campaign rally on Saturday in Gallup.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona also joined the call, criticizing Donald Trump for his lack of understanding and respect for Native American issues and veterans. “We need leaders who prioritize our concerns and work to improve our infrastructure, education, and health care,” Kelly urged, imploring the Navajo community to support Harris and Walz.

The Navajo vote could play a monumental role in the upcoming elections in less than two weeks.

Both Walz and Nygren called for unity and action to ensure that Native voices are heard on a national level.

“This visit shows the breadth and the influence that the Navajo Nation has at the national level. And for a campaign, a big national campaign, to have a campaign stop on the Navajo Nation for the first time, that was tremendous. So, the national government, the people running for office, think of us very highly. And they think of us that if you’re gonna win, you gotta win the Navajo vote, and that’s what today was about,” said Nygren.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) speaks to a crowd of a thousand Navajo voters during a campaign rally where vice-presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made a stop in the Navajo Nation capital on Saturday.

Read more in the Oct. 31, edition of the Navajo Times.