The Native American studies department held a forum Monday in Woodward Hall to discuss the presidential candidates' platforms in relation to American-Indian affairs.
Republican John Gonzales and Democrat Laura Harris debated whether President Bush or Democratic Sen. John Kerry should be in the White House.
"The Republican Party represents empowerment to the tribes," Gonzales said. "It has implemented tools for tribes working towards self-sufficiency. Indian gaming is a very important tool."
Harris expressed support for the Kerry campaign and said its values are the same as hers as a Comanche, a woman and a New Mexican.
"The choice between Kerry and Bush comes down to two words - tribal sovereignty," she said.
Tribal sovereignty was the most-debated issue at the event, and both speakers had conflicting viewpoints on which candidate would better uphold it.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"The idea of institutionalizing tribes as governments is very important," Harris said. "(Kerry) will establish a Native-American office inside the White House Department of Intergovernmental Affairs. Native Americans are a piece of (Kerry's) plans. They have not been left out of the equation."
Gonzales said a plan to establish an American-Indian office inside intergovernmental affairs was in progress.
"You need to develop your resources on the reservation," he said.
Harris said Democrats provide opportunity for real growth.
The debate also covered the military. Harris said Kerry has a way to get American Indians out of the war. She said they have the highest number per capita in the military and in combat.
For Gonzales, the issue of homeland security was key
because of the close proximity of many reservations to military and research sites in New Mexico.
Gonzales said opposition to development in the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge will aid in preserving sacred land.
But Harris said Bush reversed almost all of President Clinton's protections on sacred sites and places of natural beauty.
"Kerry would re-establish these protections," she said.
Although they were opposed on most issues, the speakers ended on the same note.
"We need to get our people out to vote, no matter who they vote for," Gonzales said.
Harris agreed.
"It is so important that Native Americans are involved in both parties," she said.
