Gipp, president of the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, N.D., said he would remind convention-goers of the sacrifices made by Native people, but would mostly inform them of the contributions ready to be made, including valuable natural resources, a rich culture and good leadership.
“All of these things can make a better and richer America in terms of its diversity,” said Gipp, a Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota. He said many Native communities could contribute to the American economy with valuable natural resources, including coal, oil and water.
The DNC marks an unprecedented year with a record number of 140 convention delegates representing Indian Country, a group that held its first caucus meeting on Monday as the four-day convention began. Native convention delegate numbers are up from the 86 delegates who attended the Democratic convention in Boston in 2004.
“We were excited about the turnout we had at the Native American Caucus this morning,” said Kalyn Free, one of three Native people with a seat on the Democratic National Committee. “We had well over 300 people and tribal leaders from all over the place. It was heartwarming.”
Free said speakers, including DNC Chairman Howard Dean, addressed the caucus, speaking on the importance of the Indian vote in November's election and the need to fully bring tribal people into the political process.
Frank LaMere, the DNC's Native American Caucus chairman, said the large Native turnout can be credited to the party's presidential candidate.
“Barack Obama gets what is happening in Indian Country,” he said. “His message of hope and change is one that resonates with tribal people. Everywhere you go across this nation, Indian people are calling for change and they are calling for new and bold leadership.”
While many Americans expect that bold leadership from the next U.S. president, Gipp said Native people and their respective nations could be relied upon and that tribes should be made “equitable partners as we move forward into the development of the United States of America. But more than that, we have good leaders and a good basis of knowledge to help the country.”
Gipp, UTTC president since 1977, credited tribal colleges for allowing Native peoples to contribute to society because of “our ability to educate our own people Š on our own terms and conditions,” a story he planned to share with convention delegates.
“Tribal colleges and universities are critical to the future of our land and the future of our nation,” he said.
Reach reporter Jodi Rave at 800-366-7186 or jodi.rave@lee.net.
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