Red Medicine LLC Empowering Native American Communities to Vote | News

Char-Koosta News

FLATHEAD RESERVATION – Red Medicine LLC is actively reaching out to tribal households across the Flathead Indian Reservation to ensure everyone is registered to vote. In collaboration with Four Directions, the organization is spearheading election activities on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Blackfeet Reservation, and other tribal reservations throughout the state.

Throughout August, Red Medicine LLC will visit hundreds of homes on the Flathead Indian Reservation. After October 7, the deadline for voter registration, the organization will shift its focus to absentee ballot efforts and host Indian Taco feeds throughout the reservation. These events aim to promote voting and create spaces for tribal members to meet and share a meal.

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of American Indians being recognized as U.S. citizens. “It was an uphill battle,” said Patrick Yawakie, Co-CEO of Red Medicine. “Even today, laws are put in place to undermine our voting rights. It is crucial that we participate in these elections.”

Yawakie emphasized the importance of the Native vote. “When Native Americans don’t participate in elections, we don’t get the right representation for our tribal communities,” he said.

Yawakie noted that recent legislative sessions have highlighted the need for active tribal participation in local, state, and federal elections. “The lack of participation has led to legislation targeting our communities. When we do participate, we can influence election outcomes,” he said.

Voting impacts all levels of governance, from local school boards to state legislative officials and U.S. senators. “It’s about educating, empowering, and mobilizing our tribal communities to understand that their votes matter,” Yawakie said.

Many tribal families lack internet access and social media platforms, making it difficult for them to stay informed about elections. “How would they even know an election is happening?” Yawakie asked.

Red Medicine LLC uses data collected over the years to map tribal households on the reservation. “It’s go time right now,” Yawakie said. October 7 is the final day for Red Medicine LLC to register voters door-to-door. After that date, registration will require visits to county courthouses or satellite locations, which can be problematic due to limited hours and accessibility.

Yawakie also highlighted the challenges of negotiating with counties for better accessibility. “Tribal councils change every two years, so we try to educate them about the process and offer support,” he said.

Red Medicine LLC has visited hundreds of homes, starting at one end of the Flathead Indian Reservation and working their way across. “The tribal community deserves more than a checkbox approach,” Yawakie said. “Engaging with tribal communities requires a personal touch and building relationships.”

Through consistent efforts, Red Medicine LLC aims to build trust within the tribal community. “Whether it’s knocking on doors or providing spaces for voting, we are dedicated to this cause,” Yawakie said.

Rather than relying on costly advertising, Red Medicine LLC finds door-to-door outreach and Indian Taco Feeds to be more effective. “We are creating a tradition,” Yawakie said.

In addition to election work, Red Medicine LLC also engages in lobbying. They are focused on bringing the best candidates forward and addressing local political contests. This year’s election is particularly contested, with a Blackfeet Tribal member running as a Democrat and Ralph Foster, a prominent figure in the community, also vying for attention. Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius manages many of the community’s funerals.

Community members have expressed concerns about absentee ballots due to ads. “We have been advocating for absentee ballots because reservations are often in rural areas,” Yawakie said. “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

Others have hesitated to vote due to unfamiliarity with candidates. Yawakie encourages such individuals to register and participate, emphasizing the importance of every vote.

Red Medicine LLC will host Indian Taco feeds in the third week of October, where individuals can bring their ballots for collection. Red Medicine LLC also said to give them a call for any questions or information.

Follow Red Medicine LLC on Facebook for more information and important dates.