Rocking the Native Vote: Quapaw Tribe campaigns for voter participation
QUAPAW, Okla. — A local Native American tribe is working to combat the staggering number of Native Americans who are not registered to vote.
“Natives… they want a voice. Here’s our opportunity,” said Barry Linduff, Oh-Gah-Pah Communications Executive Director.
Northeast Oklahoma’s O-Gah-Pah Communications, a subsidiary of the Quapaw Tribe, is putting in extra work to get Native Americans registered to vote.
“There are an average 10 million Native Americans in America. That’s 2.9 to 3 percent of the population, and really, a little over half of them are actually registered voters,” said Linduff.
They’re partnering with United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, and “Rock the Native Vote” to spread the word.
“You know, traditionally Native Americans have been disenfranchised. And they deserve a place at the table, but when the place at the table’s offered, you have to come sit down.”
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“It doesn’t matter if you’re Republican or Democrat, what matters is that you get out there and exercise your right to vote that’s been given to you,” said Callie Bowden, O-Gah-Pah Communications Account Manager.
O-Gah-Pah Communications representatives say they know there’s often a generational boundary, but they’re hoping to change that.
“They think that all the decisions that they need to make are being made for them by their council or whatever governing body that they have. When in actuality, they’re the ones that need to take the initiative and make the decision themselves and cast their decision,” said Linduff.
“A lot of people, when they don’t vote, they don’t think their vote matters. When in reality, it does. And it matters on every level of government, from local to national to the presidency,” said Bowden.
On September 17 at the Quapaw Farmers Market, natives who register to vote can get some swag to help seal the deal. A registration booth will also be set up at the annual Native American Heritage football game in Quapaw, held against Commerce on September 20.
“I mean, you can go on social media and voice your opinion, but ultimately the best way to speak volumes is that vote,” said Linduff.
The deadline to register in Oklahoma is October 11.
“There are people who get into office who are speaking on your behalf. And you need to make sure that the people who match up with your core values, whatever they may be, are representing you in these offices,” Bowden said.
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