WASHINGTON – Democratic Natives, some of whom have ties to Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign for president, are attacking Gov. Sarah Palin’s record on Indian issues. The charges come at a time of increasing concerns from Obama supporters and advisers that Sen. John McCain’s popular running mate could affect their candidate’s chances with Indian voters.
In an unsigned document widely circulating in Indian country, four main critiques have been levied against the first female Republican vice presidential candidate, including allegations that she has harmed Alaska Native subsistence fishing and hunting; been lukewarm in her support of tribal sovereignty; and that she hasn’t supported Alaska Native languages.
The document, titled “Sarah Palin’s Record on Alaska Native and Tribal Issues,” was partially written by Heather Kendall-Miller, an informal adviser to the Obama campaign in Alaska. She has personally known the senator from Illinois since their days attending Harvard Law School together. Her husband, lawyer Lloyd Miller, co-authored the report, which is based largely on many of the legal cases Kendall-Miller has argued against Palin and the Alaska state government.
“It’s really important to pop [Palin’s] balloon,” Kendall-Miller, a tribal member of the Native Village of Dillingham, told Indian Country Today.
She said she is “very concerned” that Natives who might have voted for Obama could now be swayed by Palin’s entrance into the race.
“That’s exactly why it was so important for us to get the document out. There was such an initial positive response [to Palin], even from Native people in Alaska.”
On the issue of subsistence fishing, the Millers note in the document that Palin has continued pursuing litigation that seeks to overturn “every subsistence fishing determination the federal government has ever made in Alaska.”
“The goal of Palin’s lawsuit is to invalidate all the subsistence fishing regulations the federal government has issued to date to protect Native fishing, and to force the courts instead to take over the roll of setting subsistence regulations,” according to the document. “Palin’s lawsuit seeks to diminish subsistence fishing rights in order to expand sport and commercial fishing.”
On subsistence hunting, the authors state Palin has “sought to invalidate critical determinations the Federal Subsistence Board has made regarding customary and traditional uses of game, specifically to take hunting opportunities away from Native subsistence villagers and thereby enhance sport hunting.”
Regarding tribal sovereignty, the document says Palin has argued that Alaska tribes have little authority to act as sovereign nations, especially in court cases involving the welfare of Native children.
Finally, the document indicates that Palin failed to respect Alaska Native languages and voters by refusing to provide language assistance to Yup’ik speaking Alaska Native voters – until ordered to do so by a federal court earlier this year.
Evon Peter, a former chief of the Neetsaii Gwich’in Tribe from Arctic Village, Alaska, has also made waves as a result of an essay he released on Sept. 8 slamming Palin’s record.
“As Alaska governor, Palin has continued the path of her predecessor [Republican Gov.] Frank Murkowski in challenging attempts by Alaska Native people to regain their human right to their traditional way of life through subsistence,” he wrote.
Peter has quickly become a prominent voice for Alaska Natives who have expressed concerns on Palin’s support for energy development, including drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He noted in his essay that there is a connection between oil development and global warming, “which is wreaking havoc on Alaska Native villages, forcing some to begin the process of relocation at a cost sure to reach into the hundreds of millions.”
Peter, who said he plans to vote for Obama, told ICT that he’s worried American Indians may not delve deeply enough into Palin’s record when it comes to making an informed decision on who to vote for this fall.
Before Palin became McCain’s running mate, many political observers had expected that Obama would do well with Indian voters, especially considering his strong outreach to tribes during the election thus far.
Some Republican Natives have been quick to point to the fact that the governor’s husband, Todd Palin, as well as their five children, are of Yup’ik descent; and they are hopeful that these family ties could encourage positive policy developments if the McCain-Palin ticket is elected.
Palin herself campaigned for governor partially on the Native heritage of her family, saying in a letter from 2006 that she “so very much appreciate[s] Alaska’s First People, their proud heritage and diverse cultures so abundant in the communities throughout our state.”
The governor also wrote in the letter that she supported tribal economic development and fishing subsistence issues and believes in teaching traditional culture and languages in schools.
But Peter believes that Palin’s record – and not her past pledges – should be the main focus.
“It’s unfortunate that across America, our communities don’t tend to dig deeper into the actual decisions that different leaders have made in their previous offices. ... My hope is that Native American people will be inspired to look into all candidates’ track records on the tribal, state and national level.”
Kendall-Miller said she believes Todd Palin “does not consider himself an Alaska Native,” saying he “is much more akin to seeing himself as a sports hunter.”
“I think [Gov. Palin] is using her husband’s Alaska Native heritage the way she is using her developmentally disabled baby to try to draw people in.”
The exact blood quantum of Todd Palin has not been verified by the McCain campaign, but some reports have indicated he could be as much as one-quarter Yup’ik.
Another issue raising ire for some Natives is that fact that Todd Palin worked for the British Petroleum oil company.
Despite the many critiques centered on Todd Palin, his mother, Blanche Palin, is respected by many Alaska Natives, and once served as secretary of the Alaska Federation of Natives.
Palin’s gubernatorial and vice presidential spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment on issues being raised by Natives about her record and family.
Don Bremner, a Tlingit tribal member, is one of the many Alaska Natives who are concerned that Palin’s familial connections could lead some Indian voters who would have normally voted for Obama to vote for the McCain ticket.
“It’s fine to call yourself Alaska Native and say you support Alaska Native issues,” said Bremner, an Obama supporter. “But there are things that go along with being Alaska Native – meaning you support the culture, you support the language, you support our hunting and fishing ways of life.
“Her administration hasn’t done any of that.”
Correction
In the Sept. 12 posting, “Native Obama supporters lead Palin backlash," the quote, “[H]e’s 1/16 [blood quantum] and not raised in the Native community,” was attributed to Valerie Taliman, Indian Law Resource Center director of communications. Ms. Taliman’s intent was not to question Todd Palin’s Alaska Native heritage but to paraphrase sentiments expressed by Alaska citizens and local media. We were unable to verify the statement or its attribution with Ms. Taliman before going to press. ICT regrets the error.
I worked for a Native youth program and asked Palin's office for 10 minutes of her time to speak to our Native Youth, we were even willing to be available at her convenience. I put in a request more than 4 months in advance and she would not give them the time of day. I sent a request on more than one occassion and was repeatedly turned down. Apparently our youth are not important enough or is it because they were not a stepping stone to further her career?
9143014
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Monday, Oct 13 at 12:33 PM Sunshine wrote ...
Obama's Scottish, Cherokee ancestry has meaning
Steve Hammons
October 08, 2008
Barack Obama has stated that there is Native American Indian ancestry in his family tree. His background on his mother's side also reportedly includes Scottish and Irish roots.
Research into Obama's family tree on his mother's side has indicated that some of his ancestors arrived in America in the 1700s and even the 1600s.
9106394
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Friday, Oct 10 at 12:32 AM Ruth wrote ...
Oh Please!! This article is so left. I am a Proud Native American Republican Woman and I am also proud to say that my "NATIVE" family and friends are voting McCain/Palin.
9007184
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Sunday, Oct 5 at 6:07 PM Tomahawk wrote ...
If Todd Palin is of 1/4 or 1/8 Yup’ik, does he walk in moccasins to touch, feeling the sacred earth surface for instructions...? Does He and his family know about some or all of the broken Treaties that Native American/American Indians have with the Federal Government? If these are in his hunting sights, there should be a thunderous flow of observation and focus to this "Supreme law of the land" Treaty issue(s). I feel, he may ignore his family roots and feel the bad medicine(s) coming
8828999
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Sunday, Sep 28 at 4:30 PM onefeather1 wrote ...
FIRST AMERICANS,ALL OVER THESE LANDS,CAN SEE THROUGH PALIN LIKE GLASS.OIL MAN,LOOKING TO DRILL;COME ON,THIS IS 2008;WE,VE SEEN LEIRS SINCE WHITE EYES CAME ASHORE.DOES,NT MATTER THAT SHES MERRIED TO OUR BROTHER,U.S. IS PACKED FULL OF HALF BREADS.THE FACT REMAINS SHE SETS IN HER BIG HOUSE,EATING PORK WHILE OUR PEOPLE HAVE TO WADE THOUGH HER SEWAGE.THIS YEAR I WILL VOTE,AND I,LL MAKE EVERY EFFORD WITHIN WHAT LITTLE POWER I,M ALOUD TO SEE NEW HOPE TO MY PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS.VOTE ABAMA.
7432539
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Sunday, Sep 28 at 3:55 PM Nana-J wrote ...
Raven in Alaska, is quite edifying on issues related to Palin and her apparent non-support of issues critical to Native Alaskans. http://alaskareal.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarah-palins-record-on-alaska-native.html
Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., and more than 100 Tribal Leaders have endorsed Barack Obama for President.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/nicole0827/gGgmBV
Obama's plans here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/firstamissues
7432054
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Sunday, Sep 28 at 9:26 AM onefeather1 wrote ...
we the first americans. please; vote for change.PLIAN;bad news.as the first americans I NO YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THIS TRANSPARENT WOMANAND HER LIES.
7425614
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Friday, Sep 26 at 2:05 PM Too Fast wrote ...
You're responses to comments is too slow people.
7390519
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Friday, Sep 26 at 2:17 AM linda wrote ...
In Indian Country, its easier to decide that Palin is using Indian/Alaska Natives to her advantage, I say to my brothers and sisters to the north, don't be fooled, we in the lower 48 states recognized the forked tongue anytime and anywhere, especially from fake Indians!
7371104
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Tuesday, Sep 23 at 9:16 PM Trudy wrote ...
Big government (paternalism) needs to stop
What is sovereignty but the removal of paternalism and dependency? As tribes and tribal organizations, we moved dependency on government to dependency on attorneys and consunltants.
How long have consulting attorneys drafted and redrafted the IHCIA and it is yet to pass? How much flawed legislation has been drafted to sustain the billable hours - preying on the poorest of the poor?
Is that public service? Lets really talk about reform.
7278649
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Tuesday, Sep 23 at 7:11 PM Robb wrote ...
Deborah Taylor,
If you really want to know about Obama, go to his website. All the issues are available for you to read. If something is not listed, email them. They will respond. Please do not rely on things you hear from friends or Fox News. Please keep in mind that the Democrats have helped Native people way more than the Republicans. Especially the less fortunate. This is a fact. All you need to do is a little research.
7275809
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Monday, Sep 22 at 12:21 PM David Velarde Jr wrote ...
The McCain/Palin ticket is a threat to the survival of the planet, Palin doesn't give a hoot about global warming and McCain doesn't know beans about the economy when he said the economy was strong and AIG and Lehman Brothers were failing.
7228454
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Saturday, Sep 20 at 6:07 PM Carole Wright wrote ...
Palin. Does James Watt ring a bell? It does with this old timer.
7191859
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Friday, Sep 19 at 4:06 PM Deborah Taylor wrote ...
I want to know what Obama views on abortion,gay rights. And why is he not saluting the american flag and gonna take off the flag on the airplane if he is becomes president.No body isn't answering these question. This native cherokee isn't certain about voting for this guy. I rather have the three stooges or Stan and Laurel to have to choose from than what we got.
7170099
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Friday, Sep 19 at 8:54 AM Hannah wrote ...
Thank you for running this story. The more people learn about the Palin behind the pretty face, the more people are shocked and horrified. We can only trust that voters will head to the polls with issues in mind...not appearance or ethnicity. Any middle or lower class person who looks at the policies of the candidates we have to choose from would jump to Obama's side in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, there are citizens in the country who vote on race: whether it is Obama's, McCain's, or Todd's
7153819
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Wednesday, Sep 17 at 5:51 PM Victoria Redstarr wrote ...
I pray for total awareness of our peoples in examining who Palin really IS and what she is about. Lying, manipulating and being morally unconscious are not how I want to see any vice president (again)! I mean, she would be THIS close to being president and we should be plenty tired of these traits in our so-called leaders. Time to start a new trend and new values and am willing to place faith in Barack today. We need to use our HEAD-HEART together in evaluating our candidates.
7101084
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Wednesday, Sep 17 at 3:00 PM Evelyn wrote ...
Kendall-Miller did not choose the best way to frame the issue: "It’s really important to pop [Palin’s] balloon." She comes off as biased.
7095194
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Tuesday, Sep 16 at 11:08 AM Reva Mariah S. Gover wrote ...
I have received the email referred to in this article. After reading the information it contained I found it important enough to share with members of my family and many of my friends (Native and non-Native alike). Because so much of our email attachments are sketchy I was sure to ask those I contacted to let me know if the information I received, and was now forwarding was erroneous. I'm gratified to know that it was not.
7018524
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Monday, Sep 15 at 6:40 PM Vandy wrote ...
It is a huge logical error to assume that because a person is, or is associated with, any group that s/he will advocate for or defend that group's interests. I hope Native voters don't vote for Palin simply because of her husband's background. I would love to see a woman in office, but being female is far from enough for Palin to get my vote. I would rather vote for a male politician who will promote women's interests than for a woman who will harm or ignore them once in office.
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Monday, Oct 13 at 5:14 PM Concerned wrote ...
I worked for a Native youth program and asked Palin's office for 10 minutes of her time to speak to our Native Youth, we were even willing to be available at her convenience. I put in a request more than 4 months in advance and she would not give them the time of day. I sent a request on more than one occassion and was repeatedly turned down. Apparently our youth are not important enough or is it because they were not a stepping stone to further her career?
9143014Monday, Oct 13 at 12:33 PM Sunshine wrote ...
Obama's Scottish, Cherokee ancestry has meaning Steve Hammons October 08, 2008 Barack Obama has stated that there is Native American Indian ancestry in his family tree. His background on his mother's side also reportedly includes Scottish and Irish roots. Research into Obama's family tree on his mother's side has indicated that some of his ancestors arrived in America in the 1700s and even the 1600s.
9106394Friday, Oct 10 at 12:32 AM Ruth wrote ...
Oh Please!! This article is so left. I am a Proud Native American Republican Woman and I am also proud to say that my "NATIVE" family and friends are voting McCain/Palin.
9007184Sunday, Oct 5 at 6:07 PM Tomahawk wrote ...
If Todd Palin is of 1/4 or 1/8 Yup’ik, does he walk in moccasins to touch, feeling the sacred earth surface for instructions...? Does He and his family know about some or all of the broken Treaties that Native American/American Indians have with the Federal Government? If these are in his hunting sights, there should be a thunderous flow of observation and focus to this "Supreme law of the land" Treaty issue(s). I feel, he may ignore his family roots and feel the bad medicine(s) coming
8828999Sunday, Sep 28 at 4:30 PM onefeather1 wrote ...
FIRST AMERICANS,ALL OVER THESE LANDS,CAN SEE THROUGH PALIN LIKE GLASS.OIL MAN,LOOKING TO DRILL;COME ON,THIS IS 2008;WE,VE SEEN LEIRS SINCE WHITE EYES CAME ASHORE.DOES,NT MATTER THAT SHES MERRIED TO OUR BROTHER,U.S. IS PACKED FULL OF HALF BREADS.THE FACT REMAINS SHE SETS IN HER BIG HOUSE,EATING PORK WHILE OUR PEOPLE HAVE TO WADE THOUGH HER SEWAGE.THIS YEAR I WILL VOTE,AND I,LL MAKE EVERY EFFORD WITHIN WHAT LITTLE POWER I,M ALOUD TO SEE NEW HOPE TO MY PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS.VOTE ABAMA.
7432539Sunday, Sep 28 at 3:55 PM Nana-J wrote ...
Raven in Alaska, is quite edifying on issues related to Palin and her apparent non-support of issues critical to Native Alaskans. http://alaskareal.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarah-palins-record-on-alaska-native.html Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., and more than 100 Tribal Leaders have endorsed Barack Obama for President. http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/nicole0827/gGgmBV Obama's plans here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/firstamissues
7432054Sunday, Sep 28 at 9:26 AM onefeather1 wrote ...
we the first americans. please; vote for change.PLIAN;bad news.as the first americans I NO YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THIS TRANSPARENT WOMANAND HER LIES.
7425614Friday, Sep 26 at 2:05 PM Too Fast wrote ...
You're responses to comments is too slow people.
7390519Friday, Sep 26 at 2:17 AM linda wrote ...
In Indian Country, its easier to decide that Palin is using Indian/Alaska Natives to her advantage, I say to my brothers and sisters to the north, don't be fooled, we in the lower 48 states recognized the forked tongue anytime and anywhere, especially from fake Indians!
7371104Tuesday, Sep 23 at 9:16 PM Trudy wrote ...
Big government (paternalism) needs to stop What is sovereignty but the removal of paternalism and dependency? As tribes and tribal organizations, we moved dependency on government to dependency on attorneys and consunltants. How long have consulting attorneys drafted and redrafted the IHCIA and it is yet to pass? How much flawed legislation has been drafted to sustain the billable hours - preying on the poorest of the poor? Is that public service? Lets really talk about reform.
7278649Tuesday, Sep 23 at 7:11 PM Robb wrote ...
Deborah Taylor, If you really want to know about Obama, go to his website. All the issues are available for you to read. If something is not listed, email them. They will respond. Please do not rely on things you hear from friends or Fox News. Please keep in mind that the Democrats have helped Native people way more than the Republicans. Especially the less fortunate. This is a fact. All you need to do is a little research.
7275809Monday, Sep 22 at 12:21 PM David Velarde Jr wrote ...
The McCain/Palin ticket is a threat to the survival of the planet, Palin doesn't give a hoot about global warming and McCain doesn't know beans about the economy when he said the economy was strong and AIG and Lehman Brothers were failing.
7228454Saturday, Sep 20 at 6:07 PM Carole Wright wrote ...
Palin. Does James Watt ring a bell? It does with this old timer.
7191859Friday, Sep 19 at 4:06 PM Deborah Taylor wrote ...
I want to know what Obama views on abortion,gay rights. And why is he not saluting the american flag and gonna take off the flag on the airplane if he is becomes president.No body isn't answering these question. This native cherokee isn't certain about voting for this guy. I rather have the three stooges or Stan and Laurel to have to choose from than what we got.
7170099Friday, Sep 19 at 8:54 AM Hannah wrote ...
Thank you for running this story. The more people learn about the Palin behind the pretty face, the more people are shocked and horrified. We can only trust that voters will head to the polls with issues in mind...not appearance or ethnicity. Any middle or lower class person who looks at the policies of the candidates we have to choose from would jump to Obama's side in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, there are citizens in the country who vote on race: whether it is Obama's, McCain's, or Todd's
7153819Wednesday, Sep 17 at 5:51 PM Victoria Redstarr wrote ...
I pray for total awareness of our peoples in examining who Palin really IS and what she is about. Lying, manipulating and being morally unconscious are not how I want to see any vice president (again)! I mean, she would be THIS close to being president and we should be plenty tired of these traits in our so-called leaders. Time to start a new trend and new values and am willing to place faith in Barack today. We need to use our HEAD-HEART together in evaluating our candidates.
7101084Wednesday, Sep 17 at 3:00 PM Evelyn wrote ...
Kendall-Miller did not choose the best way to frame the issue: "It’s really important to pop [Palin’s] balloon." She comes off as biased.
7095194Tuesday, Sep 16 at 11:08 AM Reva Mariah S. Gover wrote ...
I have received the email referred to in this article. After reading the information it contained I found it important enough to share with members of my family and many of my friends (Native and non-Native alike). Because so much of our email attachments are sketchy I was sure to ask those I contacted to let me know if the information I received, and was now forwarding was erroneous. I'm gratified to know that it was not.
7018524Monday, Sep 15 at 6:40 PM Vandy wrote ...
It is a huge logical error to assume that because a person is, or is associated with, any group that s/he will advocate for or defend that group's interests. I hope Native voters don't vote for Palin simply because of her husband's background. I would love to see a woman in office, but being female is far from enough for Palin to get my vote. I would rather vote for a male politician who will promote women's interests than for a woman who will harm or ignore them once in office.
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