The year was one of significant political fervor, a time when the promise of change resonated deeply across the American landscape. Senator Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, carried a message of hope and unity that reached even the most historically marginalized communities. Among these were the Native American tribes, and nowhere was this sentiment more palpable than within the Crow Nation in Montana.
On a bright spring day, May 19th, the rolling plains near Crow Agency transformed into a vibrant hub of political engagement. A crowd of approximately 4,000 people gathered, eager to witness and participate in what many believed was a pivotal moment in the relationship between the United States government and its indigenous peoples. The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation and a sense of profound possibility.
The occasion was not merely a campaign stop; it was a deeply symbolic event. Senator Obama was to be formally adopted into the Crow Nation, an honor bestowed upon few outsiders, signifying a bond of kinship and a commitment to mutual respect. This act, far from being a mere photo opportunity, was imbued with cultural significance, representing a genuine embrace and a pledge of allegiance.
As Obama took to the podium, he greeted the crowd with a newly acquired title: "Barack Black Eagle." He spoke of the honor he felt in being welcomed into the tribe by his new "parents," Hartford and Mary Black Eagle. The adoption ceremony, he emphasized, was not simply a performance but a sincere act of familial inclusion, forging bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that transcended political boundaries.
The Crow Nation’s decision to adopt Obama was a deliberate expression of hope and a calculated investment in the future. Robert Old Horn, a respected member of the tribe, articulated the profound meaning behind the gesture, emphasizing its sincerity and the depth of the familial ties it represented. The adoption was a way to ensure that the Crow Nation’s concerns and aspirations would be heard and understood at the highest levels of power.
Tribal Chairman Carl Venne further underscored this sentiment in his introduction of Obama. He expressed gratitude for the senator’s co-sponsorship of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, a vital piece of legislation aimed at addressing the healthcare disparities faced by Native American communities. Venne also presented Obama with gifts, tokens of appreciation to be shared with his family, symbolizing the burgeoning relationship between the senator and the Crow Nation.
Venne also issued a direct challenge to the presidential hopeful, urging him to commit to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. This declaration, a comprehensive international instrument addressing the human rights of indigenous peoples, had been adopted by the vast majority of nations, yet the United States remained a notable dissenter. Venne’s request served as a reminder of the historical injustices and ongoing struggles faced by Native American tribes and a call for Obama to champion their cause on the global stage.
Obama responded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the diverse tribes of Montana, listing each one by name, and expressing his appreciation for the support he had received from Indian country as a whole. He particularly lauded the efforts of Samuel Kohn, his director of Native American Outreach in Montana, a member of the Crow tribe, whose tireless work had been instrumental in galvanizing support for Obama’s campaign.
Kohn’s efforts extended far beyond mere political maneuvering. He and his team engaged in extensive community organizing, meeting with tribal leaders across the state, and traversing the vast distances of Montana to connect with individual voters. Their work was not without its challenges, but the genuine enthusiasm for Obama’s message made it a deeply rewarding experience.
Kohn recounted a particularly poignant anecdote about an elderly man from the Rocky Boy’s Reservation in northern Montana. This man, 74 years old, had never before participated in the democratic process, feeling that no candidate had ever truly cared about his community or bothered to solicit his vote. However, inspired by Obama’s message of hope and inclusion, he registered to vote for the first time in his life, declaring his intention to cast his ballot for Barack Obama. This story encapsulated the profound impact that Obama’s campaign was having on Native American communities, igniting a sense of civic engagement and empowering individuals who had long felt disenfranchised.
Donna Gonzalez, a Northern Cheyenne voter present at the rally, echoed this sentiment. A self-described Republican, Gonzalez expressed her disillusionment with the current administration and her admiration for Obama’s commitment to including Native Americans in his cabinet. Her decision to cross party lines and vote for a Democrat was a testament to the power of Obama’s message and his ability to resonate with voters from diverse backgrounds.
Obama’s words at the rally provided further evidence of his deep understanding of the issues facing Native American communities. He acknowledged the historical neglect and marginalization suffered by Native Americans, declaring that they had been "ignored by Washington for too long." He criticized the "one size fits all" approach that had often characterized the federal government’s relationship with tribal nations, promising to usher in a new era of collaboration and respect.
The senator pledged to work with tribes to resolve the long-standing mismanagement of Indian trusts and proposed hosting an annual summit at the White House with tribal leaders. This summit, he explained, would serve as a forum for developing a comprehensive agenda for tribal communities, ensuring that treaty obligations were met, and honoring the unique relationship between the tribal and federal governments.
"That’s how we’ll make sure that you have a seat at the table when important decisions are being made about your lives, about your nations, about your people," Obama declared, emphasizing his commitment to empowering Native American tribes and giving them a voice in the policy-making process.
He acknowledged the tragic history of the United States government’s relationship with tribal nations, admitting that it had not always been honest or fair. "And that’s history we have to acknowledge if we are going to move forward in a fair and honest way," he stated. "Indian nations have never asked much of the United States, only for what was promised by the treaty obligations made by their forebears."
Obama made a clear and unequivocal promise: "So let me be clear: I believe that treaty commitments are paramount law. I’ll fulfill those commitments as president of the United States." He further pledged to fight for full funding of the Indian Health Service (IHS) and to increase tribal college and education funding for all American Indian children.
Drawing on his own experiences growing up in Hawaii, where he often felt like an "outsider" because of his race, Obama expressed his empathy for the challenges faced by Native Americans. "And because I have that experience, I want you to know that you will never be forgotten," he said. "You will be on my mind every day that I’m in the White House."
He concluded his remarks with a powerful call to action: "We will never be able to undo the wrongs that were committed against Native Americans. But what we can do is make sure that we have a president who’s committed to doing what’s right with Native Americans – being a full partner, respecting you, honoring you, working with you. That’s the commitment I’m making to you; and since now I’m a member of the [Crow and American Indian] family, you know that I won’t break my commitment to my own brothers and my own sisters."
The event at Crow Agency was more than just a campaign rally; it was a testament to the transformative power of hope and the enduring spirit of the Crow Nation. The adoption of Barack Obama into the tribe symbolized a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and its indigenous peoples, a chapter marked by mutual respect, collaboration, and a commitment to fulfilling the promises of the past. The "Obamamania" that swept through the Crow Nation was a reflection of the deep-seated desire for change and the belief that, with the right leadership, a more just and equitable future was possible. The electrifying atmosphere of Obamamania that day signaled a potential turning point in history. This groundswell of support, this Obamamania, demonstrated a deep-seated yearning for change and a renewed faith in the political process. The impact of Obamamania on Native American communities was undeniable. The event was a beacon of hope, showcasing a politician who seemed to genuinely care and listen to their concerns, and this wave of Obamamania resonated deeply within the Crow Nation.