On June 6, 2018, Joann Mae Spotted Bear, seventh generation Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux, whose family fought in the Little Bighorn and were wounded and survived the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, announced that she will be running for President of the United States in 2020.
Spotted Bear, who has appeared multiple times before the United Nations to testify about US treaty violations, genocide of the Indigenous, and ecocide of the country’s people and its resources, said, “If we’re gonna make this land a great nation the way it’s meant to be, then there has to be some kind of positive change,…What I’m thinking about is: before we take a major dive into Hell to Nowhere, we’re gonna fight the best way we know how. So I was thinking about it, and I was like….maybe I should run for President of the United States,”
“I don’t know about you guys but I do know about me. I am sick and tired of people being sick and tired of seeing innocent people who have done no wrong being murdered whether it by bitumen, benzine, gatolene, Legionnaires, copper, lead, uranium, plutonium, nuclear atomic bombs or contaminated wastewater,” Spotted Bear said.
She added that “It hurts to see babies who are born with uranium. And I hate the lies of ‘Oh! We can solve these problems.’ No! God Damn it! You can solve the problems, yes…but are you willing to solve the problems? What will it take for you to solve the problems?”
As she begins to fight her way back from homelessness after losing everything she had in the fight for clean water and the people, Spotted Bear has a vision for her campaign that involves the people coming together at the grassroots level. “This is what we’re gonna have to do: I’ve never ran for President ever in my life. And I would need every single person’s help. So if you have good ideas or can help me, we are gonna need everyone,” She said adding that, “we have to come together because the United States Government, frankly, does not give a damn about Indigenous people worldwide, let alone the people in this country. All [the President] cares about is a small fraction which is probably less than the 5% rich. And the 5% rich would not be rich if it wasn’t for a dead Indian.”
“I would like people to come over and talk about this government. . . It’s all a corporation, and so long as this corporation is using a de facto executive order to supercede our treaties, we will not have the backing.”
She maintains that the road toward a great nation that watches out for and provides for its people and not for corporate interests begins with a Nation that honors its word. “We will be enforcing our treaties and moving the Corporation back into a Nation by using our Treaty and no executive orders,” she said. “My goal is to help you live.”
Joann Mae Spotted Bear Announces Presidential Campaign
By 
Latest
The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.
My dear sister I’m proud of u ….u are a very strong woman & u will make a wonderful president . U remember to stand ur ground & don’t take No gump from no-one . Native Bless my dear sister or should I say madame president.
Everyone should vote for this amazing woman
Vote for Joann
I have been following Joann Mae Spotted Bear for a very long time long enough to call her my friend. She speaks the truth and she is fighting for all of the people. I would like to be involved her campaign if someone would please post information on how to do so.Joann Mae Spotted Bear has my families vote.
So appropriate to put an original real American into office. It should have been done long ago. Our earth, laws, and morals were simple before foreigners came here and brought their diseases, rules, and corruption. You got my vote Spotted Bear. A’ho
Thank goodness for a new choice.
Best Wishes Sister ✊
To have a Native American as President, well, that would be Great! Especially one who has Dedicated her life in helping and standing up for people!
I am glad you are on this path. It is a very good, but long path to take. Please be aware and be careful. Keep your back covered when necessary. Please let us be informed with your progress and situations.
Thank you,
Deborah Kimsey Wolf Hornbuckle
About time ! We need a Native American
as President !!
Yes yes yes! I have said FOR YEARS that a Narive American needs to be president. I am also Sioux… Support 100%.
Ms. Spotted Bear may have my vote already!! She understands what this country was before others came here & disrespected the land. (And people!)
And, as I’ve always felt, women are born leaders!!! We are strong but compassionate –and THAT’S what we need now.
Because what she sees as the way forward is real, it will be that much harder to succeed.
Respectfully you also need to appeal to more than just Native people. Your message has appeal also to other minorities and also many whites.
She has me seriously considering her.
Thank you Joann Mae Spotted Bear! You are a worrier of peace. You have many in support of you! May the Great Spirit be with you on this wonderful journey!
Congrats you will get my vote!!! You Rock Joann Mae Spotted Bear!!
I truly believe this is wonderful! I am part Cherokee and part Comanche…and to have a Native American President is fantastic! The Native Americans know this country so much better than others! They KNOW what is needed! I will vote for her. Will be praying to the Great Spirit to keep you safe and to win the election of 2020!!
She’s got my vote .
We need you now. No one wants trump or Biden. We need an elder in the White House now. My family gives you the vote. Please save us. Only an Indian can.
I am Cherokee, Navajo and Blackfoot. I have Prayed for decades to see a Native Woman in the oval office. I am proud of you my dear sister. We as Native and as women understand what it is like to be discriminated against as all minorities do. You are a Warrior among all the people. Thank you. Blessings and Peace