DNC Natives

08/25/2026

The Native Caucus meeting in Austin included a session with Jacob George, a young organizer working on youth political engagement.

His pitch was straightforward. Get into schools and campuses early, before anyone else does, and help students who want to start something actually start it.

Young people are not going to find their way to us on their own. Someone has to go meet them where they already are.

08/20/2026

Last weekend in Austin, the DNC approved the 2028 presidential primary calendar. New Mexico is in the early window for the first time.

That is a real win for the Tribal communities, and an early date means presidential candidates have to come here and answer to Native voters while the field is still wide open.

The 2028 early window:
South Carolina, January 22
Nevada, February 1
New Hampshire, February 8
New Mexico, February 15
Michigan, February 22
Virginia, February 29

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

Last week at the DNC Summer Meeting in Austin, our party took a real step forward for Native communities.

The resolution came from DNC member Donavon Hawk, who introduced a measure encouraging state parties with significant Native populations to prioritize hiring campaign professionals with genuine experience in Indian Country, the kind of work that requires understanding tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and the communities themselves.

It affirms something long overdue: Native people belong in this party not only as voters, but as leaders, strategists, and decision-makers.

06/29/2026

Join the DNC Native Caucus and the Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund for a Know Your Rights training specific to Native American and Tribal Citizens. As the Trump administration continues to threaten our fundamental voting and constitutional rights, we invite you to come together and learn how we can best protect ourselves against these attacks.

JOIN US TO:
Learn about your voting rights and how you can protect yourself and your neighbors;
Find out how to get more engaged in voter protection;
Hear from community leaders about lessons from Minneapolis and issues that impact Tribal Nations and Native people.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 5:00 PM PT, 8:00 PM ET
RSVP: https://win.dnc.org/native-kyr

Your participation is critical to the DNC’s mission to fight back against injustice and protect voting rights throughout America.

04/17/2026

DNC NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp in Phoenix, AZ 🏜️

The DNC is seeking campaign professionals in the West to participate in the NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp in Phoenix, AZ, from May 7 to May 9. This three-day, in-person intensive training program prepares the next generation of campaign and state party professionals for the 2026 cycle and beyond. This program is FREE to attend, and will provide NextWave graduates with invaluable professional development opportunities both during and after the program. Learn More and Apply to the DNC NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp Here – Apply by Sunday, April 19!

The DNC NextWave Regional Bootcamp is a new, free training program that serves to strengthen the next generation of campaign and party staff.

02/14/2026

Statement from the DNC Native American Caucus on the Passing of Former Osage Nation Principal Chief Jim Gray

The Democratic National Committee Native American Caucus mourns the loss of a remarkable leader, statesman, and advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and justice — Former Principal Chief Jim Gray of the Osage Nation, who passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 64.

Chief Gray’s legacy is one of transformative leadership and tireless commitment to his people. During his two terms as Principal Chief from 2002 to 2010, he guided the Osage Nation through a historic era of governmental reform, helping to establish a sovereign constitutional government that enfranchised all Osage citizens and strengthened tribal self-determination.

Beyond his work in governance, Chief Gray was a passionate voice for Native media representation, Indigenous rights, and cultural dignity. As a publisher, consultant, and mentor, he worked to ensure that Native perspectives were heard and respected across Indian Country and beyond.

We extend our deepest condolences to Chief Gray’s family, the Osage Nation, and all who were inspired by his vision and leadership. His contributions to the Osage Nation, to tribal sovereignty, and to Native communities nationwide will long be remembered with gratitude and respect.

May his memory be a blessing.

The Democratic National Committee Native American Caucus mourns the loss of a remarkable leader, statesman, and advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and justice — Former Principal Chief Jim Gray of the Osage Nation, who passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 64.

02/05/2026

Statement from the DNC Native Caucus Condemning Governor Stitt’s Final State of the State Address

The DNC Native Caucus unequivocally condemns Governor Kevin Stitt’s final State of the State address as a direct assault on Tribal sovereignty, federal law, and the continued existence of Tribal governments in Oklahoma.

Despite attempts to cloak his remarks in rhetoric about “fairness,” “equal treatment,” and “public safety,” Governor Stitt’s message was unmistakable: he is calling for the dismantling of Tribal jurisdiction and the erasure of Tribal Nations as governing entities. This is not reform. It is termination—repackaged for a modern audience.

The Governor’s repeated attacks on McGirt v. Oklahoma deliberately misrepresent the ruling and mislead the public. McGirt did not “federalize” Oklahoma, nor did it create new reservations. It reaffirmed binding treaty commitments and the federal trust obligations owed to Tribal Nations—obligations that predate Oklahoma statehood and remain the supreme law of the land under the U.S. Constitution. The Court merely confirmed what Congress never lawfully extinguished: the continued existence of Tribal Nations and their jurisdiction. These obligations are not political preferences or policy choices; they are enforceable legal duties that no governor has the authority to ignore, rewrite, or wish away.

Most troubling is that Governor Stitt—who publicly claims Tribal citizenship—has chosen to weaponize his platform against the very foundations of Tribal sovereignty. No Tribal citizen, elected official, or leader has the authority to surrender treaty rights, undermine sovereign jurisdiction, or legitimize rhetoric that treats Tribal governments as a problem to be solved. Tribal citizenship is not a shield against accountability when one advances policies that would dismantle Tribal Nations altogether.

Governor Stitt’s insistence that “all laws should apply equally” deliberately ignores a fundamental truth: Tribal Nations are political sovereigns, not racial groups. This argument has been rejected repeatedly by the United States Supreme Court and exists today only as a rhetorical tool to erase Native political identity and invalidate treaty obligations.

Equally dangerous is the Governor’s demand that Oklahoma exercise exclusive authority over criminal prosecution, taxation, and regulation in Indian Country. These demands contradict federal law, violate treaties, and undermine decades of cooperative agreements that have improved public safety and economic stability for Native and non-Native communities alike.

Let us be clear: Tribal governments do not cause chaos. They create stability. They are among Oklahoma’s largest employers, healthcare providers, educators, and law enforcement partners. The narrative advanced by the Governor is not grounded in fact—it is grounded in resentment toward Tribal self-determination and resistance to the rule of law.

The Cherokee Nation is correct to describe this rhetoric as the dying breath of a 19th-century termination mindset. History has already judged these ideas—and history has rejected them.

The DNC Native Caucus will not remain silent while a sitting governor uses his final address to encourage the Legislature and the public to dismantle Tribal governments. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and government-to-government respect. Any attempt to weaken these principles will be met with firm, organized, and sustained opposition.

Tribal Nations are not going anywhere. The law is settled. The future belongs to cooperation—not erasure.

10/24/2025

Statement from the Caucus about Speaker Johnson's failure to swear in duly elected Representative Adelita Grijalva:

DNC Native American Caucus Condemns Denial of Representation for Indigenous Nations Following Delay in Swearing In Adelita Grijalva

09/27/2025

Memorial Tribute to Ernie Stevens, Jr.
From the Democratic National Committee Native Caucus

The DNC Native Caucus joins Indian Country in mourning the passing of Ernie Stevens, Jr. Ernie was a tireless advocate, a respected leader, and a trusted friend to so many. Through his decades of service as Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, he helped strengthen tribal sovereignty, expand economic opportunity, and ensure a brighter future for Native communities.

Beyond his leadership, Ernie will be remembered for his generosity, his humility, and his deep love for Native people. He carried himself with the heart of a relative, always ready to listen and always ready to stand up for what was right.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Cheryl, to his family, and to the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. His passing is a tremendous loss, but his example will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the work he devoted his life to.

May his memory guide us, and may we honor him by continuing the fight for sovereignty, justice, and opportunity for all Native nations.

In remembrance,
The Democratic National Committee Native American Caucus