Prez Debate on the Rez for First Time in History!
June Caldwell
August 11, 2007
Historic Presidential Forum on Morongo Tribe location in Cabazon California on Aug 23, 2007
Richardson, Kucinich, Gravel Confirmed
Tulsa, Okla. - Prez on the Rez, an historic forum that will assemble Democratic presidential candidates together on Indian land for the first time in American Indian history, is just around the corner! Presidential candidates Governor Bill Richardson, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and Senator Mike Gravel have each confirmed they will attend. Mark Trahant, editor of the editorial page at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, finalist for a Pulitzer Prize, and a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, will moderate the forum, where tribal leaders will ask the questions.
The forum, called Prez on the Rez, is an unprecedented event that will gather the Democratic presidential candidates to discuss with tribal leaders across the United States the challenges and opportunities facing Indian Country today.
"No major presidential campaign event has ever come to Indian Country," said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. "This represents a historic opportunity for this country's First Americans to take a direct role in the future of America by holding a national level forum for presidential candidates. We couldn't be more proud to make history for Indian Country by hosting this extraordinary event."
"The Morongo tribe has been a visionary leader with nationwide impact when it comes to supporting efforts to build political power in Indian Country, not just for their own tribe, but for Indians everywhere," said Kalyn Free, President of the INDN's List Education Fund, who is hosting the event. "Native Americans are becoming a recognized and active force in the American political process. The Prez on the Rez forum represents an important next step in Indian Country's activism."
The INDN's List Education Fund (ILEF) is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit corporation founded in 2006 whose mission is to "promote the social welfare, and economic and social improvement and empowerment of American Indians by advocating policies and legislation at the federal, state, and local level that promote the interests of American Indians by focusing the interest and attention of elected officials and candidates on issues of concern to American Indians."
Fast Facts:
What: Prez on the Rez - a presidential candidate forum focused on American Indian issues.
When: Thursday, August 23, 2007, 3:30 pm Pacific time.
Where: Morongo Band of Mission Indians, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, CA 92230.
Who: Bill Richardson, Dennis Kucinich, and Mike Gravel participating. Mark Trahant will moderate. Howard Dean and Laura Flanders will give keynote speeches at lunch and dinner banquets.
For information about credentials for covering or broadcasting the event, please contact Micah - Pres on the Rez or call 918.583.6100. More information about the INDN's List Education Fund and Prez on the Rez can be found at Prez on the Rez Website
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August 2007 Reports
Last updated on August 13, 2007