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Marquez: Deeds, not words, should persuade tribal nations

By Deron Marquez

Story Published: Oct 21, 2008

Story Updated: Oct 21, 2008

As Nov. 4 approaches, I find myself reading blogs and op-ed pieces from various tribal corners, mostly supporting the Democratic ticket in the race for the White House. I was surprised to note that there are few public statements being expressed by tribal leaders and representatives about Sen. John McCain and his public record of support for sovereign tribal nations.

Campaign promises being voiced by Mr. Barack Obama to Indian country are noteworthy. But we should remember that no group of Americans has been promised more and delivered less than the First Americans. Instead of more promises, let’s give attention to real accomplishments involving issues of significant importance, which have benefited Indian tribes because of Sen. McCain’s deeds.

Few issues are as fundamentally important and sacred to Indian tribes as their cultural resources and their histories. Sen. McCain’s leadership resulted in the enactment of federal legislation that serves today as the foundation for the protection of these important resources. The Native American Graves Protection Act was passed by the Congress in 1990.

Sen. McCain became vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs (now known as the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) when the 101st Congress was constituted in 1989. Aware that congressional efforts to protect tribal cultural resources – including sacred sites and graves – had failed in 1986 due to opposition from museums and other groups, he introduced NAGPRA during the first session of the 101st Congress. The senator had become increasingly concerned about the looting of tribal sacred sites and graves across the nation.
Instead of more promises, let’s give attention to real accomplishments involving issues of significant importance, which have benefited Indian tribes because of Sen. John McCain’s deeds.


In partnership with then-committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, who had introduced a bill of his own on the subject, McCain convinced the world-renowned Heard Museum in Phoenix, Ariz., to convene and lead a national dialogue on issues related to the protection of American Indian cultural resources. The national dialogue was tasked with producing a set of recommendations, which could serve as a basis for legislation to protect these important resources.

The national dialogue, which involved museums, archaeologists, anthropologists and Indian tribes and organizations took nearly two years but was successful in producing recommendations for the Indian Affairs Committee. Once the recommendations were delivered to Sen. McCain, they were incorporated into legislation that became NAGPRA.

Today, tribal nations across this country are successfully using NAGPRA to protect their cultural resources, sacred sites, human remains and others.

A review of the history of the SCIA over the past 20 years reveals that the period of 1988 – 1996 produced more legislation and policies that enhanced tribal sovereignty and produced countless benefits for Indian nations than any other period in history. Legislation protecting tribal forestry resources, instituting tribal self-governance programs, expanding Indian housing and a host of others too numerous to mention were adopted or expanded during this period.

It should be no surprise. Sen. McCain was in a committee leadership position throughout the entire period working in a bipartisan manner, as he always does to benefit Indian nations.

Deron Marquez, former chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Politics and Economics at Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, Calif., and a recognized national tribal leader lecturing on tribal sovereignty, economic development, governance and politics

Friday, Oct 31 at 2:46 PM Kouslaa wrote ...

Thx for speaking up, Deron. I agree with you and think many people have overlooked much of what you put forward. At the same time, we vote in the party as much as -if not more than- the candidate. McCain is not a traditional R and wouldn't have received party support had he not become the default candidate after a messy primary. The R's have not done their job to engage and mobilize Natives, while the Dems have done so quite effectively. McCain's biggest obstacle to support from IC is his party

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Wednesday, Oct 29 at 3:04 PM Alicia Faws wrote ...

Yes, look at promises kept, not just made. It's election time and many politicians will say they will do things. John McCain has been a man of action and now is the time to stand with him. Consider also the column from Oct. 28 at Native Times, where Victoria Vasques talks about our education. Very true. Thank you both Mr. Marquez and Ms. Vasques for stating this so well.

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Wednesday, Oct 22 at 2:37 PM Lynette wrote ...

Yes Mr Marquez, actions speak louder than words. With the fact that our Native communities have family members serving in the military, let's look at John McCain's long list of voting AGAINST the men and women in uniform, Vetvoice.com, that is not the making of a hero. John McCain has taken the Native community for granted and let's not forget the tribes McCain has forgotten. A man who votes against the safety of military men/women has already proven,the rest of us will surelybe left behind.

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Wednesday, Oct 22 at 1:35 PM Mike Beaulieu /red lake nation mn wrote ...

I thought about voting for Sen. McCain because of his position on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and being from AZ with his interaction with the tribes there.I e-mailed the McCain Office to ask him his position on funding for tribes in the coming years. I got no reply.As with sterotypes McCain is a Republican and they ( Republicans) want all the money. Obama as a Democrat still might be rich but more Democrats are willing to share. It's up to all Indian Nations to demand proper funding

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Wednesday, Oct 22 at 12:24 PM Rob Schmidt wrote ...

NAGPRA was passed in 1990--ancient history in political terms. The question is what has McCain done for Indians lately. See "Giago Endorses McCain" (http://www.bluecorncomics.com/2008/10/giago-endorses-mccain.html) for more on the subject.

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Wednesday, Oct 22 at 12:02 PM CCT wrote ...

How can you expect a privileged white man who owns 10 homes to be able to relate to the Native American voter? I would much rather support a minority man raised by a single mother in being able to understand the kind of life I as a Native American have led. I believe Barack Obama would have a greater comprehension of issues facing Native Americans than a rich white man.

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Wednesday, Oct 22 at 9:52 AM Harold R. White jr. wrote ...

Too many times have people claimed to do or enact policies which are supposed to help us as native/indigenous people BUT there is always a catch!!! This time it's who's going to get your vote? Yes actions do speak louder than words and only one canidate has had his chance so i'll take my chances with OBAMA!!!!!

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