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Sen. Barack Obama greets supporters on his visit Monday to the Crow Reservation.Reznet Photo by April Gregory
Crows Thrilled to Be Obama's 'Brothers and Sisters'
CROW AGENCY, Mont.—Some Crow tribal members waited in line more than six hours to ensure they would have a good view when the first presidential candidate to visit their reservation stepped to the stage to speak.
Others spent those hours braiding their hair and fastening the ties of their traditional outfits so they would look their best when Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama took the microphone and explained his stance on issues that affect hundreds of Native American tribes throughout the country but often go unmentioned by candidates running for national office.
"Somebody finally recognized us enough to come an extra few hours," said Beverly Big Man, a Crow Agency Elementary School teacher. "We're always the forgotten ones."
Big Man, 73, was among the first dozen people to arrive and stake out a place in line around 8 a.m. for the 2:45 p.m. event. Once a Hillary Clinton supporter, Big Man said she decided to vote for Obama after hearing him mention Native Americans on television. She called Obama's visit to the reservation "a once-in-a-lifetime event."
Obama, the front-runner in a race with Sen. Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination, became the first presidential candidate to visit the Crow Reservation Monday. He spoke to a crowd of several thousand people gathered at the Apsaalooke Nation Veterans Park on Monday.
To welcome Obama, Crows showered his family with gifts that included a beaded medallion for him to give to his wife, Michelle, and beaded, doll-sized cradleboards for his two daughters, Sasha and Malia. Sen. Obama was adopted into the tribe's Whistling Water clan and given a Crow name, "One who helps people throughout the land."
Joe Medicine Crow, who at 94 is one of the tribe's eldest members and a tribal historian, wore a beaded buckskin vest and pair of pants, and commented on the historic day.
"This man is the first presidential candidate who has made a stop here with the Crow people," he said. "I consider that an honor not only for Crow Indians but for Indian Country."
As the crowd waited for Obama to arrive from Billings, where he held a morning town hall-style meeting, the Black Whistle Singers sang powwow songs and a score of tribal members wearing traditional clothing danced on the lawn of the park that lies just to the south of the Little Bighorn River, which winds through town.
Medicine Crow stood watching, bouncing his knees to the music's beat and smiling.
"It is my prayer that he will go all the way," he said of the candidate who often evokes the word "hope" on the campaign trail. "His door will be open to Indian people. He's going to change things around."
During an 11-minute speech here, Obama vowed to bring change to Indian Country if elected president. While the speech was shorter than the 40- to 50-minute talks the Illinois senator often gives during rallies held in larger venues, he said the Crow Agency stop marked one of the campaign's most important events.
He promised to improve the Indian health care system and noted that he co-sponsored the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, a bill approved by the Senate last February. Clinton and John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, co-sponsored the bill, too.
Obama also said he would make sure children on the nation's Indian reservations received a "world-class education" and he would end "nearly a century of mismanagement of Indian trust."
"Too often Washington has paid lip service to working with tribes, while making a one-size-fits-all approach with tribal communities across the nation," he said. "That will change under my administration."
The pledge drew cheers from the mostly Native crowd as eagle-feathered fans and the Obama campaign's blue "Change We Can Believe In" signs waved in the air.
Susan Quilt, a 36-year-old Lodge Grass resident who came for the event, said she hoped that if Obama wins his party's nomination and beats McCain in November, he would keep the promises he made as a candidate.
"Hopefully some of the tribes' needs will be fulfilled," she said. "Past elected officials and past presidents haven't done anything about that."
Before he stepped down from the stage to shake hands with supporters, the Illinois senator pledged that an Obama administration would deliver on the promises he made to Native Americans.
"I will never forget you," he said. "Since now I'm a member of the family, you know that I won't break my commitment to my own brothers and my own sisters."
A group of teenagers chanted "Obama" as the senator made his way toward his bus, shaking hands and embracing supporters before moving on to his next stop in Bozeman.
When he reached for the last hand and waved goodbye, Darrin Old Coyote, the tribe's vice secretary, called out to Obama to tell him Crows say "Shinuk," a Crow expression for "I'll see you later." For the Crows, there is no word that translates to goodbye.
"Shinuk," Obama answered before turning away and climbing aboard his bus.
Location
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- Crows wait in line for more than six hours to hear the Democratic presidential candidate. 'Somebody finally recognized us enough to come an extra few hours,' says one tribal member.
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General comments
Does Obama have a general blog?
Mindi Red Elk
to maybe you don't understand our pain
Please go to website www.organisation of islamic conference and you might change your mind.
Hell Yeh we'll have him!
It's pretty sad that the Lakota are pretty mad at us for adopting him. Talking about how we sold out and sell our land an what not. Who ever there person hating is should take up some native america anthropology on the tribal warfare. I'm pretty sure it's the lakota who have no land. First of all, the black hills are original crow territory which was taken away from us like all other indians who lost land. Second of all, red cloud sold your guys land for a few cents. Third, you guys are the ones who made medicine and songs about killing and stealing horses from the crow which you guys sucked at. We never lost to you guys and we stole your women and horses and we punished you guys at the war game. We all know that the Crow and Blackfeet where the best horsemen and the most feared. Lakotas needed like 200 warriors to take on 20 crow teenagers. Forth, your great medicine man Sitting bull is the sell out of all time. While you poor warriors where starving and going under from small pox, your sitting bull was on tour in paris with wild bill. He was living it up and signing his name for a quarter. Not to mention he was sleeping on a bed in a log cabin eating goverment beef which all of you lakota recieved once a month. Shit we all ate gov beef. I would know these things becuase I'm a NAS major. So the pist off lakota person should let the past go and just be happy for us.
P.S.
I believe the lakota language is only spokken by the elderly and I mean like the really old ones who will be gone in acouple of years...Who are the sell outs? You lost your lang and your way of life. All you have going for you is Little Big Horn....Sad.
I think you're both pretty damn sad.
Geez, both Crows and Lakota's still having "beef" with one another. I personally am glad Obama went to a reservation-ANY RESERVATION was fine with me. I don't care if he went to a Tribe with only 100 members. The fact is, a presidential candidate in this day and age actually took the time to go to the rez. GOOD! That hasn't happened since Bobby Kennedy! You two quit comparing your damn land bases and leaders! I'm half Lakota and Chippewa-Cree and I grew up around Crows in Billings! Some of my best friends are Crows! Natives need to quit hating on each other and hang up the jealousy crap! JEALOUSY and GREED is what we all do to each other. That's why we can hardly come together! I've taken all of my NAS classes as well and none of it discussed my leaders as "sell outs" like you put. I'm ashamed of what the Lakota person put in their comments but you should be ashamed as well. Instead of responding with a bunch of hate to another Native-you should've been the more respectful one and said your peace without having to degrade a whole other Tribe. BOTH OF YOU ARE SAD. And I even logged in here with my real name. I'm not hiding behind some Anonymous profile.
Leah is right on the money!
It's true and sad that the very thing that cost us so much is still keeping us down! When will ALL Indian people realize that we need to come together as One people and start making a difference in OUR world. Speaking of the Little Big Horn... those weren't all Lakota people, and the result of different Indian Nations coming together is shown. We all have to stand up for eachother as one Nation, The Indian Nation! Thank you Leah for your comments!
mary hudetz
well done mary! keep it up and good luck in denver.
Pray for Obama
I truly believe Obama will be the next president of this country. In less than 6 months we could be on the verge of some big changes for the better, especially in Indian Country.
This man spoke his heart to the people at Crow Agency maybe for the first time in this election. I don't believe this was politics as usual.
Maybe this is finally the time. Maybe this is finally the person, who will do the right things; who now walks this Earth maybe a little differently since May 19; and will not forget.
If he is the person who is to lead this country at this time, then he will need all the help, support, love, and prayers we can give him. For there will be many who will want to see him fail. He will need much strength. Strength the people can give him through their blessings and prayers.
That is what happened at Crow.
The events at Crow were powerful blessings for Obama and The People. May they be just the beginning.
Pray for Obama.
Pray for all The People.
Pray for the world.
Wow
Thats great how he won't forget his new "people" once elected but I'm a little more impressed with Senator Clinton, who is actually thinking about us. As President she would reopen the doors of the White House to Native Americans and is planning to appoint our people to positions in different federal departments and agencies.
She would also raise the Director of the Indian Health Service to the Assistant Secretary level to bring attention to Native American health issues in the Department of Health and Human Services. Her universal healthcare would help the 27% of Native Americans that don't have health coverage. Last year she was one of many co-sponsors of the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act.
There are ALOT of people across this country living on the rez who need someone like Hillary Clinton fighting for them and not just promising to NOT break a commitment to them...I think we know how far promises have gotten us. I would suggest, to any undecided voter to PLEASE take the time to research your candidate before you vote. Don't allow another smooth talking politician to take advantage of our people.
The INDIAN people from all nations are ONE
It's nice to witness the educated and open minded Indian people come together as one and accept each other for who they are.
I always knew that the Indian Nations would unite. I was locked down on the REZ for 15 years and did not go anywhere away outside our shopping towns. I was ignorant, bold and hateful to other tribes at one time.
Today is a new day for me. I and my families welcome other tribes and visitors to my house when they are traveling up for the weekends.
I am BEST FRIENDS with one of my grandfathers' enemy tribes and everyone in my family knows it! That is CHANGE. I changed my whole family. We have extended family re-unions with my grandfathers' enemy tribes. I come from a traditional family and practice my culture and enjoy my neighbors culture.
We are for the CHANGE! Barack Obama for '08 is my vote
All nations are NOT ONE
I am of the Creek Nation of Oklahoma and not for Obama, who is a fox and speaks with a forked-tongue. You better beware of him, as many of the Oklahoma Indians are.
One Who Helps People Of The Land (Barack Obama)
Wan-ji!! (South Dakota (Pine Ridge), North Dakota (Standing Rock) living in Bozeman, Montana @ MSU)
KOLAS, I would like to spread a "message" to all INDIAN Tribes across the nation of the United States for WICAA WASTE' OBAMA
1.) Senator Obama said, "Yes, it is unfair what the Indian people went through. We cannot change the terrible treatment the Indian people went thru, but we can "CHANGE" how BUSINESS is done at the White House ... the Native American people will have a voice when I am President'! Senator Barack Obama message at Veterans Park in Crow Agency, Montana 5.19.2008
2.) Senator Barack Obama is: sincere, intelligent, experienced, powerful, visionary, leader, provide a life life to Indian people because he repects the Indian people. His reputation and credentials speak for itself. His two books are his side of the story( #1 NY sellers). He knows what poverty is? He knows struggle? He understands our pain? Sen. Obama sponsored the Indian Health Care Act which means he was for better health care on the reservations across the nation.
Crow Tribal Chairman Carl Venne, said "it doesn't, matter - we are ALL american".
Sen. Barack Obama, "we are ONE"!
ATTN Brothers and Sisters: Early voting takes place now, WE CAN VOTE EARLY and make sure the Indian Vote in Montana makes a difference for Senator Barack Obama. WAN-ZI!
Pikuni pride for Crow's welcoming of Obama
I am so proud of the Crow for greeting Obama in the good way that they did. I am so proud of Obama for taking the time to talk to our people who are so often forgotten. The more I know about him, the more excited I am for our Country that he will be our leader. Pikuni and other tribes once chose our chiefs and leaders based upon leadership qualities we value to this day: Generosity, honesty, bravery, ability to care for family and others, humbleness, ability to get the people to cooperate and work together, organization skills, speaking skills, wisdom, knowledge, and above all- a willingness to seek guidance through prayer, listening to the elders, the wise ones, spiritual helpers and the Creator before making any major decisions. I think Obama best fits this bill. Experience and age do not equal wisdom. Willingness to listen to those with experience does.
Montana Indian Nations Gathered in Council
Senator Barrack Obama brought LIGHT and HOPE to the Indian people! It was nice to see the Crow and Fort Peck Sioux greet, the Crow and Rocky Boy Cree greeted, the Crow and Blackfeet greeted, the Crow and Gros Ventre/ Assiniboine (Ft. Belknap) greeted, the Crow and Salish-Kootenai greeted, the Crow and three affiliated tribes (M-H-A) greeted ... the Montana Indian Nations were in unity. The Crow escorted all the tribal leaders and veterans to a special seating section. WOW!
This rally was not just for the Apsaalooke people, it was for all Indian Nations. We were just the "lucky" Indian reservation that got the call to host the event.
Crow Chairman Venne, "Today is a new day", Sen. Obama, "We are ONE".
OBAMA RALLY in Crow Agency, Montana - It was beyond anything I could of imagined for a presidential campaign. I am active during Presidential Campaigns but this ONE, was by far the best experience I will REMEMBER. I got to walk behind the crowd control fence and into the MEDIA area with my tribal PRESS PASS. It was AWESOME! God Blessed "me" to be in the right place at the right time. I was priviliged to meet Senator Barack Obama, shake his hand, have a short conversation, take a photo, get his autograph on my Audacity of Hope book and got another autograph on a Rolling Stone Poster from this past March 18th, 2008 edition. How COOL is that? It wasn't me, it was God's Favor that made that happen! A-HO,
Ken Deputee, APSAALOOKE NATION Newspaper Promotions, Crow Agency, Montana
I don't believe him
I was a good thing to do considering that Native Americans are discriminated. But I still don't like Obama and I don't believe he will do all the things he promised.
Maybe you don't understand OUR PAIN
Are you not understanding what is happening for Indian Country across the nation?
Senator Barack Obama is running for the President of the United States! He is reaching out the Indian Rervations. When do you remember a presidential candidate that went into an Indian reservation to campaign?
If you were dying...lying on your death bed and a Doctor of Medicine walked up to you and said, "I have a medicine that can cure your disease"? Would you take it?
Senator Barack Obama has medicine. It is called the power of the United States. Obama can free us from our pain of being IGNORED. He understands the Indian people! Do your research ... read his books, read his website, read his history in Senate => he sponsored Indian Healthcare Improvement Act, he wants to increase funding for Education, increase funding for tribal colleges and better health care! I know you are not stupid, you didn't undertand. I humbly make that statement :) LOVE YOU TOUGH
VOTE for Barack Obama 2008!
You Can Have Him
Go ahead and keep him we Lakota do not need that type of acknowledgement. We are proud to say we never sold out and never will. Typical Crows always wanting to please the Man. Democrats love to herd their sheep (constituants) so take your hardtack, government beef and mineral checks from selling your land we don't need it.
Proud Lakota
Ista Sapa
"we can have him"
um.... didn't the ft. peck assiniboine & sioux tribe actually endorsed obama?!?!?!??! that's like the one thing the crows & siouxs actually agreed upon.
anyway, that's the beauty of this country - you can voice your opinion and choose who you want in office, so go ahead and exercise your right and vote against the only candidate that has made the effort to visit ndn country.
We Will Take Him
This kind of negative commentary is a good example of how jealous Indian people can be of each other. The Crow respectfully and graciously hosted the event and invited ALL Indians to come those who came were Assiniboine/Sioux, Blackfeet, Cree, Salish/Pend'Orielle/Kootenai, Gros Ventre/Assiniboine, Chippewa,and Northern Cheyenne, everyone was welcome, Indians and non-Indians. Jealousy is what keeps us in bondage to the powers that be. If you think Democrats are so bad, Go ahead and vote Republican and continue being that Chicken that votes for Colonel Sanders.
Obama "Whistle Stop" in Crow Country
I am a non-partisan Christian who believes that the Bible does not support Obama's views on abortion and GLBT marriage, but as an American woman of Native, Afro, Scotch-Irish descent, I am deeply touched by his sense of sincerity and goodwill towards all people...I am not sure if I should vote for him...but, I am very sure I will not vote for career egocentric power hungry politicians such as the Bush and Clinton clans.
Me Too
Anonymous, I too am a non-partisan, deeply committed Christian that shares your views on abortion and traditional, biblical marriage.
I am supporting Obama in spite of his stance because oftentimes these polarizing issues are used merely to get the candidate in office. Once in power, the issue you hope to have advocated goes benignly neglected, such as Bush did in 2000 & 2004 with the evangelical vote.
At least Obama is bringing change in the form of opening the discussion with all parties at the table, which I believe is the most important issue in this election. I visited Washington in the summer of 2006 and every dignitary we encountered told us that the environment was extremely partisan and no one was talking to each other of working together.
I praying that a successful Obama nomination and election will bring hope and change to Washington so we can address the issues and get some things done.
Anthony
gospelism.org
Powerful
Very powerful article, refreshing to read, people in power acknowledging ALL AMERICANS, Obama has vision, he will lead the nation to a better future.
Inclusion for Native Peoples
It is so good that the Native People will have inclusion and feeling of inspiration once again to a candidate for President. It is my sense that Obama is spiritually aware. He said, in his Philadelphia speech on race, "We are all One." Now this is a man who behaves in a way that matches his words. This is good good time.
Great article
I got more information from this article than from any other news source I've been reading online! Great writing Ms. Hudetz. I know this is the first time since Bobby Kennedy that a presidential candidate took the time to make a stop at a reservation. I believe this is the very first one ever to be adopted too! I really do hope Obama opens a constitutional door AND court house door to the White House for Native People. He'll definitely never forget this stop!
Good job.
Mary,
nice work. Keep it up.
It's always cool to cover something back home when it doesn't completely deal with a negative tone. I look forward to watching your career grow.
Good uck
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