Issue Position: American Indian Issues

Issue Position

Minnesota is home to 11 Tribal Nations and a significant urban Indian population. Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan will work in partnership with Native communities to create policies that benefit Indian Country.

In order to address the problems Minnesotans face, our government has to look like Minnesota. Tim and Peggy will ensure that Minnesota's Native communities are treated with dignity, as sovereign nations and have equitable access to positions in state government. That starts with the ticket: when elected Lt. Governor, Peggy Flanagan will be the highest ranking female Native American in the history of the United States.

The Walz Flanagan Administration will:

Honor tribal sovereignty and government to government relationships. Minnesota's tribes are sovereign nations and should be treated as such. Treaty rights must be regarded as the supreme law of the land and will be honored. Tribal governments will be consulted in decision making on the front end. When our tribal communities are thriving in Minnesota, the entire state benefits.
Prioritize equitable education for Native students.
Make BIE school funding permanent, invest in Dakota and Ojibwe language immersion programs in culturally contextualized schools
Ensure history and culture of Native people are included in Minnesota's K-12 education system
Support and fund Adult Basic Education programs, career skill development for Native adults
Work with tribal agencies, non-profits and especially schools to provide wrap around services for Native students and their families
Support tuition waivers for Native American students in higher education -- with priority given to future educators
Work in collaboration with tribes to combat the opioid crisis.
Lessen barriers to treatment by providing funds to expand culturally competent long-term treatment programs
Acknowledge and work to heal multi-generational and historic trauma
Increase access to harm-reduction methods and non-judgmental, non-coercive services
Protect and invest in the well being Native American children and their families.
Fund public housing, food stability and supportive assistance programs and work with tribes to create stable family networks
Educate those working with Native American families on historical trauma and Native families' increased vulnerability
Commit to addressing systemic racism and implicit bias in state agencies
Recognize that Native American children are best served by being placed with Native families -- reduce barriers for Native families to take custody of their relatives

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