1/ On October 2nd, the Tama-Toledo News published a letter to the editor written by Joyce Wiese. Ms. Wiese implied I would not represent our community well because I’m a Native American woman. Thank you Joyce for providing me this opportunity to educate.

2/ I’d like to set the record straight.  First, I’m a homeowner in Tama and I pay State and Federal taxes. Second, the settlement only accounts for 1.3% of the total acreage in Tama County. 

I’d like to provide some history of the tribe of which I’m a member.

3/ Indignenous people were forcibly and violently removed from all lands west of the Mississippi River through Andrew Jackson's "Indian Removal Act of 1830.”  Members of the Meskwaki Nation found refuge in Iowa, as Iowa allowed indigenous people to purchase land.

4/ I have deep roots in the Tama area.  Those who found refuge in Iowa are my ancestors, and we made Iowa our home. We built lives here, raised families, and created jobs.

The Tribe contributes a lot to the area’s economy. The Tribe is the largest employer in Tama County.

5/ The Tribe recruits and trains local folks and provides generous health care plans to workers.

Ms. Wiese’s letter seems to imply that my tribe lacks patriotism. To the contrary, Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people have served in the military side by side.

6/ My Grandfather served in World War II.  Meskwaki Code Talkers served the interests of the United States by using their tribal language as a military tool to fight for this country.

Native Americans have sacrificed, been wounded and died in service of the United States.

7/ As a representative in the Iowa House, I’ll represent all the people of the district, not just the Indigenous community. 

America was built from many cultures with people from many nations. It feels disrespectful to imply because I am Native American,

8/ I only care about Native Americans. I respect your culture and ask that you please respect mine.

I understand the complexities of Tribal, State, and Federal governments and this understanding is valuable for a representative to have.

9/ I will be focusing on issues, not skin color. Quite honestly, this is why I am the best candidate to represent HD72.

10/ We deserve more in HD72. I am fighting to represent all people in HD72. I am open to finding solutions for keeping more money in people’s pockets. If elected, we can move HD72 forward to a more fair and just society by working together and listening to each other.