Natural Capitalism: Compost

something to read ...

First Americans are going to have a big impact on the 2008 election. According to a recent article by the *Native American Times* <http://my.barackobama.com/www.nativetimes.com> , this year it is estimated that there will be *over 150 Native American delegates* <http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/05/record-number-of-native-american.html> to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. This is an increase from just seven in 2000.

Barack Obama is committed to First Americans’ issues and challenges, and he is vigorously working to earn their support in this election. At a recent *UNITY journalism conference* <http://nativetimes.bizweb5.tulsaconnect.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=119&Itemid=0> in Chicago, Obama said of his First American apology position, "I personally would like to see the tragic elements of our history acknowledged. We've got some sad things to account for."

First Americans are excited to have a candidate on their side.

Abrum of Duluth, Minnesota says:

  Being a Native American young person I think brings a very unique
  perspective to the table. I believe Barack shares my perspective. He
  believes in a new beginning for America. A time when we can change
  the way Washington politics affects our lives so we as Americans
  feel like the government is by the people for the people. Barack is
  the only candidate that has showed support for the indigenous
  peoples of North America. Retaining our sovereignty, and moving
  forward to better our people after many decades … is something that
  I believe Barack will help us achieve. Barack is an open-minded
  individual who is very driven, and is willing to go the distance to
  make sure that not only Native Americans, but all people have fair
  and equal opportunities in this country.

Myrna in Anchorage, Alaska says:

  I am a Tlingit & Haida Indian. Our people have spent hundreds of
  years listening to politicians. Obama is a man of integrity and
  believes in giving respect. Alaska Natives and American Indians have
  the opportunity to unite behind a candidate who will respect us,
  honor our treaties and give us a voice in the White House. We
  deserve a president who can truly say he understands growing up a
  minority. I am honored to support him and ask you to join us in
  standing for a change and unite our country.

Michelle in Portland, Oregon says:

  I am very fortunate to have met Barack Obama in WDC, and also as
  part of a tribal delegation of 10 native people in Portland, Oregon
  in September 2007. He was charismatic, and interested in the issues
  of Indian Affairs which are important to me as a Navajo woman.
  Protecting Tribal sovereignty, honoring the government-to-government
  relationship, and also working to provide quality health care to
  all, including native people. After meeting him, and reviewing his
  platform for tribal people, I feel confident that his inspiration,
  his energy, and his concerns for tribal people as partners in his
  Administration are sincere and what I need in a President. Join me,
  and support Obama in '08. Can we make change as Native people in
  this Electoral Process? To quote Obama, "Yes, we can!"

Charles in Washington DC:

  As a member of the Navajo Nation and as an attorney working in
  tribal policy I've seen only the same old ideas on improving life
  for Indian Country rehashed and restated by a successive line of
  Presidents. In fact, there have been no great efforts from a
  President that have shown concrete results for Indian Country since
  the Nixon Administration and the beginning of the era of Self
  Determination. Barack Obama represents Indian Country hope to be
  brought back into the political process. Great ideas have always
  existed in Indian Country but what has been lacking is the
  commitment of the administration to listed to them and muster the
  political will to carry them out. Barack Obamaís positions on civil
  rights, bringing excluded people back into the political process and
  the ideas expressed on his webpage for First Americans demonstrate
  his commitment to being the leader that Indian Country needs in the
  White House. As a Senator from a State with no recognized tribes,
  the commitment he has shown to Indian Country by trying to increase
  funding for IHS and by being the only Presidential candidate to
  support the Indian Health Care Improvement Act from the beginning as
  an original co-sponsor demonstrate his deep conviction and true
  commitment to Indian Country.

Edward in Tucson, Arizona says:

  As a proud American Indian, and military veteran. I am impressed by
  the attention Barack Obama has paid to Indian Country. I am a law
  enforcement professional serving Indian Country for over 30 years
  and have fought consistently to right the injustice in Indian
  Country particularly the jurisdictional issues that hamper justice
  and service to our people. I an encouraged to see Barack Obama note
  this deficiency. I am hopeful that Barack Obama will right this
  injustice and bring hope back to Indian Country.