Native Americans not "Something Else" -- Native leaders call for CNN to apologize

From Michigan Anishinaabek Caucus
November 9, 2020

CNN's poll board announcing election results last week included Native Americans in a percentage labeled as "Something Else." (Photo courtesy Michigan Anishinaabek Caucus)

INDIAN COUNTRY, November 9, 2020 -- Caucuses of the Democratic National Party call for a formal apology from CNN for a dismissive poll board that discounted the impact of the Native American vote and, more importantly, dehumanized the Native community.

The Native American vote’s impact in critical states around the country are well documented by relevant organizations on the ground and leaders within the community. Battleground states like Nevada, Arizona, and Michigan have been decided by critical margins. Community engagement by Tribal leadership, organizers, and volunteers produced historic General Election results.

The Navajo Times reported on Nov. 5 that the success of turning Arizona blue is credited with the Native American vote. Michigan, which also flipped blue, has the highest population of Native Americans east of the Mississippi. Over 100,000 Native Americans were called to vote, and understood that sovereignty was on the ballot.

States across the Country (Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, etc.) have prominent Native communities and are engaging in a critical fight for support and recognition of circumstance.
Native Americans have been insulted by non-Natives on their own ancestral land for hundreds of years. Many Elders alive today were subject to the United States' first parent-child separation policy, otherwise known as Indian Boarding Schools. The Constitutional documented rights of Native Peoples have been constantly disrespected and ignored. Narratives perpetuated by the media contribute to the continued erasure of our peoples and the invisibility of our communities.*

CNN’s dismissive reference of the Native American vote as "Something Else" is not a small injury. It continues the abuse of the Native American identity. It is akin to Trump referring to the Michigan’s Governor as "that woman."

CNN is called to make a public apology and to engage in critical conversations that identify the unique experiences of Native American peoples and their contributions to the 2020 General Election. Native American cultures are something all Americans can be proud of, even though only Native Americans can claim them as their own.

Andrea Pierce, Chair, Michigan Anishinaabek Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party

Brian Melendez, Chair, Nevada Statewide Native American Caucus of the Nevada State Democratic Party

Joseph Vital, Chair, Native Peoples Caucus of Minnesota DFL

Crystal Cavalier, Chair, North Carolina Democratic Party, Native American Caucus

Dr. Twyla Baker
Prairie Rose Seminole
Rep. Ruth Buffalo

Interim co-Chairs, North Dakota Native American Caucus - Dem-NPL

* Editor's Note: The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA), on Nov. 5, also demanded an apology from CNN. See "NAJA demands CNN apologize for using "something else" to describe Native voters."

See also: "The Power of the "Something Else" vote," by Nick Martin, published Nov. 6, 2020, in The New Republic.