Voters in Navajo Nation speak about the most important issues facing them
The Neglect of Tribal Issues in Politics: A Concerned Navajo Perspective
As an Indigenous person and a retired coal miner, I am dismayed by the lack of attention given to tribal issues by both political parties and their candidates. As the original landholders of all the lands, we Indigenous people feel that our concerns are often overlooked and our voices are not heard.
One of the most pressing issues facing our communities is the lack of infrastructure on reservations. Roads, utilities, water, and power are all essential for daily life, yet they are often lacking or unreliable. It’s frustrating to see foreign investors buying up our lands, taking them away from our tribes and communities, while our own government seems to ignore our needs.
The Unaddressed Issue of Murdered Indigenous Women
Recently, a number of Indigenous women have been murdered, and their cases have not received the attention they deserve. I know personally of many victims, including some of my own family members. It’s heartbreaking to see the lack of progress in investigating and solving these crimes, and it’s unacceptable that their families and communities have been left without justice or closure.
Gun Violence and the Impact on Communities
The gun laws and the recent spate of school shootings are also concerns for our communities. While I understand that the current gun laws are not a perfect solution, I am worried that the easy availability of guns is contributing to the violence and harm in our schools and communities.
The Urgent Need for Climate Action
As a retired coal miner, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of carbon emissions on our climate and environment. It’s imperative that we take action to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce our carbon footprint to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.
Infrastructure and Economic Development
While foreign investors are buying up our lands, our own government seems to be neglecting our infrastructure needs. Roads, in particular, are a major issue, and it’s frustrating to see our vehicles taking a beating on dirt roads. Fixing these roads would not only improve daily life but also stimulate economic development and create jobs.
In conclusion, as an Indigenous person, I am calling on both political parties to pay more attention to tribal issues and take our concerns into consideration. We are not just asking for handouts or special treatment; we are asking for basic human rights and the respect and recognition that comes with being the original landholders of these lands. It’s time for our voices to be heard and for our communities to be valued and empowered.
