PHOTO BY CLARE JENSEN

The Puyallup Tribal Canoe Family Drum Group opens the rally in support of Governor Chris Gregoire’s race for re-election. This event, held at Fife’s Columbia Junior High School Oct. 25, was one of two rallies supporting Democrats hosted by the Tribe within one week.

Tribes welcome Gregoire for second Dem rally

By Clare Jensen

Governor Chris Gregoire paid a visit to the Puyallup Indian Reservation Oct. 25 for the second Democratic rally sponsored by the Tribe in a week.

About 200 American Indians gathered at Columbia Junior High School, in Fife, to listen to various Democratic candidates speak on the issues for the election that is now less than one week away.

Chris Gregoire, who has a history of working closely with tribes throughout her current term, received immense support at the rally as she spoke of her accomplishments, and future plans if she is re-elected over challenger Dino Rossi.

In the last election, Chris Gregoire beat Dino Rossi by a mere 133 votes. The closeness of the last race is one reason why the Tribe has been avidly recruiting more American Indian voters and hosting rallies to get

registered voters excited, and reminding them to vote.

“I am the governor in the United States who knows best…Every vote counts,” Chris Gregoire said. “Let’s make it happen. On Nov. 4 – no recounts.”

Puyallup Tribal Councilmember Bill Sterud noted that in the past the Tribe had “never really delved into getting Natives to vote…but it seems to be working.”

The bevy of Democratic supporters was decked out in hats, pins, T-shirts and signs, showcasing their stake in the upcoming election.

“This (rally) shows that you care about what happens on Nov. 4, and you care about what happens after Nov. 4,” said Craig Bill, executive director for the governor’s office of Indian affairs.

Tribal Councilmembers David Bean and Nancy Shippentower-Games cited Chris Gregoire’s working relationship with Washington tribes as the source for the Puyallup Tribe’s strong support for her as governor.

“Gregoire just gets the tribes,” David Bean said. “She sits down with all the tribes” to gain insight on tribal issues and decision-making.

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