Clinton, Democrats and Strengthening Indian Policy

Sep 06, 20160

If Hillary Clinton became president she would have a great opportunity to strengthen Indian policy. Her current policy statements, however, do not suggest she will introduce any significant improvements in Indian policy. If elected president, Clinton promises to support funding for improving: American Indian health, education, tribal colleges and universities, safety and justice, environmental protection, economic opportunity for youth, support for Indian veterans, combating violence against Indian women, combating drug and alcohol addictions, and other efforts to improve life and economy in Indian country.

The Obama administration offered a similar bundle of programs support. Democrats have been offering improvement programs since the Roosevelt New Deal during the 1930s. While most Indian communities are grateful for needed programs, Indian communities continue to have distressing social and economic issues. Consequently, while economic and social aid are necessary, there has not been a significantly innovative statement by a president on Indian policy since Richard Nixon’s Self-Determination Policy was outlined in July of 1970. Many old Indian leaders believe that the best time for tribal government support was during the 1970s when Nixon was president, and democrats controlled the house and senate.