Sovereign Nation Alliances

In the past, state government in Minnesota has been reticent to work with the Tribal Nations to affect positive change for native citizens.

As Governor of the state, I believe we can greatly improve these relationships for better outcomes in health care, education, transportation and energy planning, and consequently have better outcomes for all people in Minnesota.

I am greatly concerned about issues that are of great concern to indigenous people of our state and nation. Currently, Minnesota's wild rice resource may be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The University of Minnesota has decoded the Wild Rice genome and is applying to own the patent for the genome for Wild Rice. It is shocking to me that we have moved so far in our desire to control the world that anyone could realistically "own" a natural resource. That would be like laying claim to a mountain, or Lake Superior. None of us have the right to lay claim to a natural wonder for profit or for manipulating its genetic make up.

Wild rice is known worldwide as a perfect food naturally. Yet we think it appropriate to genetically tinker with the genome. The Native community not only cherishes this resource for its livelihood and for food that sustains them, it is highly valued spiritually. I am opposed to any attempt of any entity to stake their claim on any natural resource of our state. We must protect nature from our scientific experimenting so as not to lose this valuable resource to a cheapened, compromised irreversible form of the original. We most work with the tribal community to protect the natural resources so precious to our state.

Partnering to Leverage Optimum Federal Funding

Our state has many needs for the renewal and creation of infrastructure if we are to meet the demand of the 21st Century. It would make sense to me to work by seeing that the state applies and receives the Federal Funding they are entitled to as well as leveraging the Funding the Native community qualifies for as well. This can make building infrastructure possible at the lowest possible cost, making multi-modal mass transit available to the tribal areas and beyond. We can connect the metropolitan areas and small towns with the transportation to the casinos and other recreational options in areas that are now only available by car. Making added employment possibilities available, we can improve the lives of many Minnesotans and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and expensive auto insurance.

As we work together, we build unity around other issues as well. When we build regional coalitions with states around us, we also can work as a region with native communities on issues of Housing, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical costs as well as Education and other Tourism endeavors.

As we work together, our state and nation can reap the rewards of a civil society with strong relationships that benefit us all.

Will you join me in making this dream become a reality?