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Sovereignty, land use, health care and education are a few of the issues that Native American voters are keeping their eyes on during the elections. Senator Bernie Sanders has gone out of his way to meet with tribal leaders and speak up about Native American interests. But is he the right candidate for Indian Country? As the two major parties get ready to formally nominate their presidential candidates we revisit the issues and promises that are important to you.

Guests:

Waylon Honga (Hualapai) – consultant for Peaks Advocacy Group

Andrea Sanders (Yupik) – director of the Alaska Native Policy Center at the First Alaskans Institute

Break Music: Grand Entry III (song) Pipestone (artist) Tribute To The Old Timers – Pow-Wow Songs Recorded Live At Prarie Island (album)

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The only two Native American members of Congress belong to the Republican Party. Is that any indication of the types of politicians Native American voters prefer? In the next show in our series looking at political parties, we talk to the Republicans. It’s traditionally the party of small government, limited business regulation and family values. Famous Republicans include Abraham Lincoln, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan. Where do Republicans stand on Native issues like self-determination, the environment and honoring the trust responsibility? What does the Republican Party have to offer Native Americans? What can Republican candidates do to get your vote?

Guests:

Carlyle Begay (Navajo) – Arizona State Senator for legislative district 7

Aurene Martin (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) – President of Spirit Rock Consulting

Sharon Clahchischilliage (Navajo) – Representative for district 4 in the New Mexico House Legislature

Break  Music: Fly to the Sun (song) Red Earth (artist) Zia Soul (album)

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Super Tuesday is just around the corner, and the list of viable candidates for each political party continues to dwindle. We begin a new series taking a deeper look at political affiliation in the U.S. Up first: the Democrats. Founded in 1792, the party was divided on slavery but is credited with pushing through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. What does the Democratic Party represent today? What have Democrats accomplished for Native America?

Guests:

Debra Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) –  Chairwoman of the New Mexico Democratic Party

PaaWee Rivera (Pueblo of Pojoaque) – Director of Native American Engagement for the Democratic National Committee

Kevin Killer (Oglala Lakota / Kiowa) – South Dakota State Representative for District 27

Break Music: Great Grandpah’s Banjo (song) Pura Fe (artist) Full Moon Rising (album)