Episode 436 "AGAIN America?"

We take a closer look at President Biden's recent apology for the historical atrocities committed through Indian boarding schools, analyzing the substance of his remarks versus the expectations for actionable measures. We debate whether an apology alone suffices or if it requires a commitment to reparative actions, such as increased funding for mental health services and the repatriation of remains. 

We also dissect President Biden’s previous statements that no Native American has ever held a consequential cabinet position, calling attention to historical inaccuracies and the complexities of representation in American political structures. 

We then shift our focus to the recent United States presidential elections and reflect on the political landscape, contemplating whether the Democratic Party learned from past mistakes or remains entrenched in a cycle of disenfranchisement. We also provide Native American voting pattern data provided by a partnrship between the First Nations Development Institute, BSP Research, and the African American Research Collaborative.   The data confirms the necessity of addressing tribal issues, especially land rights and environmental concerns.

Our conversation transitions into discussions around the changing political paradigms, underscoring the need for authentic engagement with Native issues beyond election cycles.