PHOENIX — President Joe Biden is set to make a long-anticipated trip to Indian Country, specifically to the Gila River Indian Community located near Phoenix, Arizona. This marks his first visit to tribal lands during his presidency, fulfilling a commitment made nearly two years ago to tribal leaders. The visit is strategically important for Democrats, particularly in bolstering Vice President Kamala Harris’ efforts to mobilize voters in a crucial battleground state.
During this visit, Biden plans to deliver a formal apology to Native Americans regarding the government’s historical role in the wrongful treatment of Native children placed in federal boarding schools aimed at forcing assimilation into white culture. This gesture, according to the White House, offers a platform for both Biden and Harris to reaffirm their support for tribal nations, an electoral demographic that has typically leaned Democratic. Arizona is a particularly significant state, where Biden edged out Trump by a mere 10,000 votes in the 2020 election.
The upcoming contest between Harris and former President Donald Trump is predicted to be extremely close, prompting both campaigns to implement strategies aimed at enhancing voter turnout among their core supporters. “The race is now a turnout grab,” noted Mike O’Neil, an Arizona-based pollster. “The trendlines have been remarkably steady. The key question is which candidate will successfully engage their voters in what is expected to be a tightly contested election.”
Despite the limited role Biden has played in the campaign since his reelection announcement termination in July, analysts believe his presence could improve Harris’ connection with Native American voters, a group that traditionally lags in turnout. In 2020, the voter engagement on certain tribal lands in Arizona notably increased, enabling Biden to become the first Democratic presidential candidate to claim the state since Bill Clinton in 1996.
Biden’s visit is not only an official duty but represents a significant step in addressing a long-ignored issue that resonates with Native communities across the country. An investigation by the Interior Department indicates that at least 973 Native American children died in the abusive boarding school system between 1869 and 1969. Over 18,000 children were forcibly removed from their families to attend these institutions.
“President Biden deserves credit for finally highlighting this issue and others affecting our community,” remarked Ramona Charette Klein, a boarding school survivor and member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. She expressed hope that this acknowledgment will positively influence Harris and emphasized the necessity for the next president to implement tangible actions towards reconciliation.
The Democratic Party has increased outreach to Native American groups in anticipation of the election. Both Harris and her counterpart, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, recently engaged with tribal leaders in Arizona and Nevada. Additionally, President Bill Clinton has been actively supporting Harris by meeting with tribal representatives. A recent campaign initiative by the Democratic National Committee has invested significantly in advertising targeting Native American communities across Arizona, North Carolina, Montana, and Alaska.
In a competitive Senate race, Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego has visited all 22 of Arizona’s federally recognized tribes. Harris highlighted the importance of the Gila River reservation during a campaign event in Chandler, also noting her historic status as the first vice president to visit the reservation. She emphasized her belief that the relationship with tribal nations is sacred, advocating respect for tribal sovereignty and adherence to treaty obligations.
The Biden-Harris administration boasts of a substantial record of support for Native Americans, including designating national monuments and allocating nearly $46 billion in federal investments for tribal nations. This funding has facilitated essential improvements such as electricity access, high-speed internet connectivity, and infrastructure development within reservations. Furthermore, Biden appointed Deb Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo, as the first Native American Interior Secretary, who has spearheaded a review of the federal government’s boarding school policy legacy, paving the way for Biden’s forthcoming apology.
Political analysts are noting the extensive efforts both Harris and Trump’s campaigns are making to engage specific voter demographics in Arizona. Harris has focused on reducing Trump’s lead among Mormon voters, while Trump is targeting younger male voters to counteract Democrats’ strengths with this demographic. “Both campaigns are pulling out all the stops to secure additional votes,” commented Thom Reilly from Arizona State University. “The Indian community is one such group Harris aims to mobilize to turn the tide.”
