Indigenous voters worry a Harris presidency means endangering sacred lands

At an August rally in Glendale, Arizona, the atmosphere was electrifying, reminiscent of a rock concert. However, it was not a rockstar who took the stage, but Governor of the Gila River Indian Community Stephen Roe Lewis, endorsing Kamala Harris for president. Harris emphasized her commitment to tribal sovereignty and clean energy. Despite the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Native peoples, concerns linger over how clean energy development may continue to exploit tribal lands. One such sacred site under threat is Oak Flat, where a copper mine threatens to destroy centuries-old spiritual grounds. Indigenous communities are wary of Harris’s environmental policies, especially in light of her past controversies over tribal lands as California’s attorney general. The relationship between achieving clean energy goals and protecting tribal homelands remains a delicate balancing act.