Marie Spry is a reserved figure. Member of the Ojibwe indigenous community, which is one of several that own casinos in the United States. Spry also expresses his confidence in the political changes that could occur in the American elections.
She recognizes that the current lieutenant governor of Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan, has a great chance of being the first indigenous person to govern the state, if Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are elected.
Indigenous influence at the polls
This expectation reveals a growing trend: indigenous communities are beginning to have a voice and make a difference in US elections. Historically, these groups have been underrepresented, representing just 2% of the national population.
However, as Professor Matthew Fletcher, from the University of Michigan, highlights, this scenario has changed since 2020, with the increase in the voting power of indigenous peoples in several American states.
“The movement began mainly in states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota. In these regions, indigenous populations play a crucial role in electoral decisions,” says Fletcher.
He explains that most indigenous communities tend to support Democrats, who tend to favor policies aimed at expanding reservations. This is due to a long history of alliance between these groups and the party.
Casinos have become a crucial source of income for indigenous people in the US. But, although states like Minnesota prohibit these establishments, indigenous communities maintain the right to operate them, according to a Supreme Court decision in 1987. This advance has helped to combat poverty among these populations, highlights Thomas Klemm, a doctoral student in American politics.
Therefore, the first casinos started out as simple bingo houses and over time evolved into larger, organized establishments. According to Klemm, this expansion increased the income and quality of life of indigenous communities, boosting the local economy.
Casino challenges and opportunities
Thus, although the presence of casinos has provided an advancement for some communities, not all have access or make significant profits. “Only 10% of indigenous casinos are actually profitable,” says Fletcher.
However, this minority has managed to transform the lives of many families. In the Spry community, for example, proceeds from the Grand Portage Casino provide resources for community members. Young people receive a bonus when they turn 18 and graduate from high school, worth an estimated US$100,000.
Difficulties in accessing voting, however, are a persistent challenge. Members of communities like Klemm’s face obstacles to registering and voting. The document requirements in some states, such as Arizona and Oklahoma, make the process even more complicated.
Klemm emphasizes the complexity of indigenous identity in politics, highlighting that, often, people do not identify with the federal system, considering their nations to be sovereign.
“I grew up with people who don’t believe in voting. For many, the vote is directed to our authorities, not the federal government”, he recalls. Despite this, there is a growing recognition of the importance of voting to guarantee broader social rights and benefits.
527 casinos run by 245 indigenous tribes in the US
Both the Spry and Klemm communities have a wide range of opinions on the elections. But while some respect Joe Biden’s statements about supporting indigenous peoples, others still struggle to fully trust politicians, regardless of their party.
Gary Bohnee, representative of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa community, says that indigenous peoples have learned to dialogue with both parties to achieve their interests.
“It is crucial that politicians truly care about indigenous issues”, highlights Bohnee. For him, support for these communities should not depend on party affiliation, but on the seriousness of the proposals presented.
In the last election, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa community donated $224,000 to Democrats and $89,200 to Republicans. This engagement reflects indigenous communities’ search for political influence and participation in decisions that impact their lives.
In the US, 527 casinos run by 245 indigenous tribes show the political strength of these communities. In addition to generating revenue, these casinos create jobs and provide vital services such as healthcare and education, strengthening their financial autonomy and increasing their influence in elections.
The political engagement of indigenous communities expresses a long struggle for rights and recognition. The rise of indigenous leaders, such as Deb Haaland at the Department of the Interior, shows that the demands of indigenous populations are gaining strength on the political scene, reflecting significant progress.
Perspectives for the future
With elections approaching, the challenge is to remove barriers to indigenous voting. Civic education and advocacy initiatives seek to raise awareness among communities about the importance of their participation. Measures such as translating ballots into native languages and relaxing identification requirements are also essential to increase participation.
Mobilization on social media and strengthening coalitions with organizations that work for the civil rights of indigenous peoples are strategies that can increase the visibility of indigenous issues in future elections.
“The political future of indigenous communities is shaping up, and active participation in the electoral process could be key to ensuring their voices are heard at higher decision-making levels,” concludes Bohnee.
