Ruth Anna Buffalo makes history

Latest

Ruth Anna Buffalo
PHOTO/LEA BLACK, @LEABLACKPHOTOGRAPHY

 
Ruth Anna Buffalo (above) made history as the first Native American Democratic woman to be elected to North Dakota’s state legislature, 27th District. In a shocking upset, she unseated Republican state Rep. Randy Boehning, who sponsored a voter ID law that many feared would suppress the Native vote in North Dakota. Native Americans are nearly two percent of the population, but account for just 0.03 percent of elected officials. The federal government’s history of genocide, forced assimilation, and systemic discrimination played a decisive role in keeping the community from office and that history continues across reservations today. In October, the Supreme Court upheld a North Dakota law that requires voters to provide ID that includes a residential address, which unfairly targets Native Americans because reservations often don’t use street addresses; post office boxes are common. More than 50 Native women ran for Congress, state legislatures and statewide offices this year—the largest movement of its kind in American history, inspired by the collective power of Standing Rock, along with opposition to Trump and a growing tribal political network.
 

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Over 60 Lawmakers Launch Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Disappearances

Some Democrats in Congress have announced they are investigating the Trump administration’s practice of disappearing immigrants to other countries.

America Cannot Afford This Dangerous Step

Americans should be chilled at government's recent designation of “Antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization (it isn't an organization). This allows for the criminalization of broad swaths of dissent, and won't stop with "Antifa."

America is Divided—But it’s the Wrong Divide

The real divide is between those who have and those who don't. We have the abundance to care for everyone and government must see to it that people's needs are met.

More from the People's Tribune