North Dakota, a state whose very name echoes its rich indigenous heritage, found itself on the cusp of a historic moment. In a state where the energy sector, particularly the oil industry, holds significant sway, three Native American candidates emerged, vying for statewide office. This unprecedented event challenged the existing political landscape and ignited conversations about representation, environmental responsibility, and the enduring legacy of Native American communities in the region. The aspirations of Chase Iron Eyes, Ruth Buffalo, and Marlo Hunte-Beaubrun transcended tribal politics, aiming to bring indigenous voices to the forefront of North Dakota’s governance.
Chase Iron Eyes: A Spark Ignited by Social Revolution
Chase Iron Eyes, a lawyer and member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, was not a lifelong politician. His background was rooted in activism and community leadership within his tribe. However, the fervent call for social and economic justice resonated deeply with him. Senator Bernie Sanders’ message, delivered during his presidential campaign, struck a chord, mirroring the long-held grievances and aspirations of Native American people.
Inspired to become a Sanders delegate, Iron Eyes attended his first caucus meetings. Unexpectedly, these gatherings led to his emergence as a congressional candidate. With the Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party lacking a contender to challenge incumbent Republican Representative Kevin Cramer, Iron Eyes stepped forward. His motivation stemmed from a deep concern about the pervasive influence of the oil industry in North Dakota politics. He felt that the time had come for him to actively engage, fearing that the state and the nation were running out of time to address critical issues, particularly in light of the divisive rhetoric amplified during the presidential campaign.
Iron Eyes’ candidacy holds particular significance, as no Native American had ever before sought a congressional seat in North Dakota. His campaign represented a bold step towards greater indigenous representation in a state with a sizable Native American population.
Ruth Buffalo and Marlo Hunte-Beaubrun: Joining the Movement
Joining Iron Eyes in this historic endeavor were Ruth Buffalo, a candidate for state insurance commissioner, and Marlo Hunte-Beaubrun, also a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who was vying for a seat on the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC holds a crucial role in regulating pipelines in North Dakota, a state that has risen to become the second-largest oil producer in the United States.
Hunte-Beaubrun’s campaign centered on the need for responsible oil development that prioritizes environmental considerations. She articulated the importance of Native American participation in the decision-making processes that impact their communities and ancestral lands. The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) controversy served as a powerful catalyst for her decision to run. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe had voiced concerns about the 1,172-mile pipeline since its initial proposal, citing threats to sacred sites and the tribe’s primary water source, the Missouri River. The tribe also asserted that it had not been adequately consulted regarding the pipeline’s route.
Hunte-Beaubrun’s commitment extended beyond the DAPL issue. She aimed to ensure that such situations, where Native American voices are marginalized, never occur again. Her vision included active indigenous involvement in all relevant processes.
Overcoming Historical Disenfranchisement
While Native American representation in politics is not entirely new across the United States, indigenous candidates remain uncommon, especially at the congressional level. A significant challenge lies in attracting support from non-indigenous voters. Moreover, a historical skepticism towards U.S. politics persists within Native American communities, rooted in a long history of disenfranchisement, neglect, and even hostility from state and federal governments.
This skepticism is validated by stark realities. Native Americans face disproportionately high rates of poverty and unemployment. They are also more likely to experience police violence. Furthermore, the historical record reveals a pattern of broken treaties and unfulfilled promises, as highlighted by historian Howard Zinn’s assertion that the U.S. government has violated every treaty signed with Native American tribes.
These historical injustices have led many Native Americans with a passion for public service to focus their efforts on tribal politics, where they can directly influence matters affecting their sovereign lands. However, Hunte-Beaubrun and her fellow candidates recognized the necessity of expanding their engagement beyond tribal boundaries to advocate for their communities’ interests at the state level. She emphasized the need to inspire Native American youth to pursue political aspirations beyond tribal politics, challenging the lack of representation for the state’s five tribes at the state level.
Making History in North Dakota
The collective candidacies of Iron Eyes, Buffalo, and Hunte-Beaubrun marked a historic moment for Native American representation in North Dakota. Never before had three Native Americans simultaneously run as major party nominees for statewide offices in the U.S. This development coincided with a period of growth in the indigenous population, mirroring the broader demographic shifts occurring among minority groups in the country.
Mark Trahant, an independent journalist and faculty member at the University of North Dakota, highlighted the exceptional caliber of these candidates. He praised their education, preparedness, and determination to win, emphasizing their commitment to public service. Trahant specifically commended Ruth Buffalo’s tireless campaigning efforts, underscoring her dedication to reaching voters across the state.
The candidates shared a common motivation rooted in addressing the historical injustices and inequalities faced by indigenous people. They also expressed a desire to bring values of diversity and inclusiveness to public office, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Ruth Buffalo articulated her commitment to advocating for the underdog, those whose voices are often marginalized or ignored.
Challenges on the Campaign Trail
Despite their qualifications and aspirations, the candidates faced unique challenges on the campaign trail. Their Native American heritage led to questions about their ability to represent all North Dakotans. Iron Eyes countered such inquiries by emphasizing his deep roots in the state, highlighting his shared language, education, and economic interests with other residents.
Beyond voter skepticism, the candidates encountered obstacles such as limited funding and inexperience in statewide campaigns. Iron Eyes acknowledged the steep learning curve, admitting to costly mistakes made early in his campaign, including relying on expensive political consultants who steered him away from his desired grassroots approach. He learned valuable lessons about the workings of political campaigns and the importance of staying true to his own values and principles.
A Different Kind of Leadership
Iron Eyes distinguished himself as a different kind of leader, one willing to be transparent with voters, openly discussing his past mistakes and personal struggles. He shared his experiences growing up in poverty on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reservation, battling alcohol addiction, and overcoming criminal convictions. He emphasized his commitment to breaking cycles of poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse, drawing on his personal journey to connect with others facing similar challenges.
In the final weeks of his campaign, Iron Eyes experienced a surge in grassroots support, with donations averaging less than $4 each. However, he still faced a significant financial disadvantage compared to his opponent, a seasoned politician with strong ties to the oil and gas industry.
A Republican Stronghold
North Dakota is a deeply Republican state, with the party dominating all branches of government. Incumbent Representative Kevin Cramer, a staunch supporter of the oil and gas industry, held a significant advantage in the race. Experts acknowledged the uphill battle faced by Iron Eyes, a Democrat challenging a well-established Republican in a conservative state.
Cramer’s strong ties to the oil and gas industry, a key driver of the state’s economy, further solidified his position. He also enjoyed support from labor groups and had amassed significantly more campaign funding than Iron Eyes.
Despite the challenges, Iron Eyes remained optimistic, drawing inspiration from Bernie Sanders’ strong performance in North Dakota during the presidential primaries. He believed that the influx of new voters into the caucuses indicated a potential for change.
Hope for the Future
Mark Trahant echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the unpredictable political climate could lead to surprises in the election. Regardless of the outcome, Iron Eyes, Buffalo, and Hunte-Beaubrun expressed their commitment to continuing their efforts to promote Native American representation and advocate for their communities. They hoped that their campaigns would inspire the next generation of Native American leaders to pursue their own political aspirations. Ruth Buffalo summed up their shared vision, expressing her hope that her children, or others like Chase Iron Eyes, would one day become leaders in North Dakota.
Three Native Americans running for office in oil-rich North Dakota, this movement represents more than just individual candidacies. It embodies a collective effort to amplify indigenous voices, address historical injustices, and shape a more inclusive and equitable future for all North Dakotans. This is the story of three Native Americans running for office in oil-rich North Dakota. The impact of three Native Americans running for office in oil-rich North Dakota may well extend far beyond the immediate election results.
