nauguration day is a big day in politics as it can mean the start of a new administration, new ideology or a new shift in focus.
However, For Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan it meant making history. With the utterance of two words, I do, Flanagan became the highest ranking Native American woman elected to the Executive office in history.
“By elevating the role’s significance, we will bring diverse perspectives to the governor’s office,” Flanagan said during her inaugural speech.
The historic event means more than filling a seat though. It could be the start of giving a bigger voice to the state’s Native American population.
“When you are a member of a group that doesn’t have a lot of representation in politics, you might be particularly able to articulate the particular interests of that group,” Political analyst Anthony Chergosky said.
Flanagan touched on the history of the state and the travesties brought on indigenous people, something the office she currently sits in played a role in.
“An office whose governor once declared that our Dakota brothers and sisters, and I quote ‘must be exterminated or driven forever beyond the borders of Minnesota.'”
Chergosky says this past created a resentment of government by Native Americans, but Flanagan could spark a renewed interest and inspiration for youth.
“If more Native Americans run for office and get involved in politics, that could have some really important policy effects for Native Americans,” Chergosky explained of the possible effect.
Flanagan hopes she can be that inspiration and create real change for indigenous people across the state.
“My people talk about walking in two worlds, but one of my most treasured mentors encouraged me to reject that idea. I am an Ojibwe woman and I am an Ojibwe woman all the time,” Flanagan stated.
Native American women made more history in the most recent election. Deb Haaland in New Mexico and Sharice Davids in Kansas became the first Native American women elected to Congress. According to Indian Country Today, there were far more native American women than ever before running for elected offices nationwide.
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However, For Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan it meant making history. With the utterance of two words, I do, Flanagan became the highest ranking Native American woman elected to the Executive office in history.
“By elevating the role’s significance, we will bring diverse perspectives to the governor’s office,” Flanagan said during her inaugural speech.
The historic event means more than filling a seat though. It could be the start of giving a bigger voice to the state’s Native American population.
“When you are a member of a group that doesn’t have a lot of representation in politics, you might be particularly able to articulate the particular interests of that group,” Political analyst Anthony Chergosky said.
Flanagan touched on the history of the state and the travesties brought on indigenous people, something the office she currently sits in played a role in.
“An office whose governor once declared that our Dakota brothers and sisters, and I quote ‘must be exterminated or driven forever beyond the borders of Minnesota.'”
Chergosky says this past created a resentment of government by Native Americans, but Flanagan could spark a renewed interest and inspiration for youth.
“If more Native Americans run for office and get involved in politics, that could have some really important policy effects for Native Americans,” Chergosky explained of the possible effect.
Flanagan hopes she can be that inspiration and create real change for indigenous people across the state.
“My people talk about walking in two worlds, but one of my most treasured mentors encouraged me to reject that idea. I am an Ojibwe woman and I am an Ojibwe woman all the time,” Flanagan stated.
Native American women made more history in the most recent election. Deb Haaland in New Mexico and Sharice Davids in Kansas became the first Native American women elected to Congress. According to Indian Country Today, there were far more native American women than ever before running for elected offices nationwide.
Source
BRAVA!!!!!
yes yes and yes