All Indian Pueblo Council (AIPC) Endorses President Obama for Re-Election

On Thursday, December 15, 2011, the All Indian Pueblo Council (AIPC), a consortium of 19 Pueblos of New Mexico and one Pueblo in Texas, announced its endorsement of President Barack Obama for re-election. Obama for America National Campaign Manager Jim Messina accepted the endorsement at a ceremony on the Sandia Pueblo in New Mexico, followed by a meeting with tribal leaders.

“In 2008, efforts of the Native American community were important in helping elect President Obama and usher in a new era of leadership in America, one that fights to protect the middle class and believes in a fair playing field for everyone. This time, the voices of Native Peoples will be even more important,” said Messina.

“The President has consistently supported economic development and tribal sovereignty for Native American communities, leading to historic levels of cooperation between tribal governments and the federal government. I’m honored to accept the endorsement of the All Indian Pueblo Council today on his behalf.”

“The President has kept his word to Indian Tribes,” said Isleta Pueblo Governor Frank Lujan. “He has engaged our Pueblo through yearly consultations. The Recovery Act in particular provided funding for our infrastructure and created jobs for our Tribal Members. We will do whatever we can to ensure President Barack Obama is re-elected.”

“This endorsement is recognition of the President’s sincerity and longing to address the needs of the Indian people,” said Taos Pueblo Governor Nelson Cordova. "He’s the one we put our trust in to assist our Tribes in addressing the problems we see from Indian communities. That’s why we’re supporting him.”

The AIPC has been in existence since the late 1500s and includes the Pueblos of Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Sandia, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Kewa (Santo Domingo), Taos, Tesuque, Zia, and Zuni, as well as the Texas Pueblo Ysleta del Sur. AIPC advocates on behalf of the Pueblos with state, local, and national governments on important issues, including the environment, water rights, health care, and education.

Organizing for America – New Mexico has been fully engaged with Indian Tribes, conducting an unprecedented level of outreach to Indian communities and engaging tribal leaders as well as core supporters through grassroots organizing efforts.

Organizing for America – New Mexico is a state-based, grassroots organization committed to re-electing President Obama and boosting Democrats statewide through organizing efforts. Connect with OFA-NM on Facebook, Twitter, or at barackobama.com/state/NM