MEDIA ADVISORY: National Tribal Organizations Partner with Tribal Nations in Nevada to host Presidential Candidate Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2020
CONTACT
[email protected]
MEDIA ADVISORY – National Tribal Organizations Partner with Tribal Nations in Nevada to Host Presidential Candidate Forum
MISSION, SOUTH DAKOTA ǀ A collective of national tribal organizations and several tribal nations located in Nevada are proud to announce the second Native American Presidential Forum, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada at the University of Las Vegas (UNLV) campus on January 14-15, 2020. Four Directions, Inc., a national voting rights organization, is continuing this effort in partnership with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Native American Rights Fund, Native Organizers Alliance, and several Nevada tribal nations.
OJ Semans, Co-Executive Director of Four Directions said, “Native American voters can influence election results in seven major swing states in 2020: Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Presidential candidates understand the importance of Native voters and that’s why our first event in Sioux City, Iowa was a success. There were 11 candidates who participated, including four of the current first tier Democratic candidates who have qualified for the December Democratic debate, and a large livestream audience of nearly 200,000 viewers online.”
When asked what separates this event from the August 2019 candidate forum, Semans stated, “We’re adding caucus training to the Las Vegas forum. The training will show our folks what to expect at their local caucus and give them the skills to fully participate and perhaps take on a leadership role in their communities.” Semans also said participating candidates’ campaigns will have an opportunity to make their case for support to the caucus attendees.
NCAI Chief Executive Officer Kevin Allis said his organization did not hesitate to sign on as a returning partner for this event. “The success of the first forum was a great learning experience for candidates and Native voters alike. NCAI and the partner organizations saw the power of collaborating on critical issues and want to continue the momentum of introducing Indian Country as modern communities and a critical voter bloc. Similar to the Sioux City forum, candidates from both parties who attend this forum will face tough questions from Native voters who expect and deserve real world answers and solutions,” said Allis.
Candidates from all major political parties were extended invitations to participate in this event. Discussions continue with several campaigns and additional candidates are expected to confirm attendance.
Panel topics are as follows: Climate Change, Environment and Sacred Sites; Education and Economic Development, Nevada Tribal Nations Issues; Native American Political Engagement and more. More information on confirmed panels, candidates, and how to purchase tickets are available now at https://www.nativevote2020.com.
MEDIA
Press credentials for the forum are available through this link:
http://bit.ly/2sNOIrf
The livestream link for the event will be available on Monday, January 13, 2020 at www.NativeVote2020.com.
For more information about the event and the press credentialing process, please contact NCAI Press at [email protected].
About the National Congress of American Indians:
Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information, visit www.ncai.org.
About Four Directions, Inc.
Four Directions, Inc., is a 501(c)4 organization. Contributions to Four Directions, Inc. are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes and are not subject to public disclosure. For more information, visit www.fourdirectionsvote.com.