Visitors from all over the state were in attendance at last night’s Raising Native Voices event, hosted by Sacred Pipe Resource Center. Participants had the opportunity to prepare themselves to advocate on behalf of Native people and issues before the the North Dakota legislature, and to learn about bills in the current session that impact American Indian communities.
You’re never too young to start participating in a democracy built on Native values of equality and humility.
Guest speakers shared their experiences and advice. Representative Ruth Buffalo (D-District 27) and Senator Richard Marcellais (D-District 9) were present to answer questions about the bills and provide updates as well.
The training component of the evening focused on helping community members learn the protocols for providing critical citizen testimony for the various bills being considered by the North Dakota legislature. Participants learned how to make effective statements and how to present to committees by giving mock testimony before a “legislative committee” of volunteers (thank you, wonderful volunteers!)
SPRC sends a huge thank you to all who participated in Raising their Native Voices to support to each other and help our American Indian community make a difference. What an awesome group of courageous and inspiring Native leaders! See you at the Capitol!
