North Dakota Native Vote, an organization dedicated to increasing voter turnout and political engagement among Native American communities in North Dakota, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Bush Prize. The Bush Prize is awarded annually to organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native Nations in the region that demonstrate innovative and impactful work in their communities.
North Dakota Native Vote has been recognized for its efforts to mobilize Native American voters and increase voter participation in the state, particularly in the face of challenges such as restrictive voter ID laws and voter suppression tactics. The organization has been instrumental in organizing voter registration drives, educating community members about their voting rights, and providing transportation to polling locations on election days.
In a statement, North Dakota Native Vote expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of empowering Native American voices in the political process. The organization’s founder, Nicole Donaghy, highlighted the significance of the Bush Prize as validation of their work and a much-needed boost for their ongoing efforts to promote civic engagement in Native American communities.
The Bush Prize selection committee praised North Dakota Native Vote for its resilience and dedication to building a more inclusive and representative democracy. The organization will receive a $100,000 grant as part of the award, which will support their continued work to empower Native American voters and advocate for policies that address the unique needs and concerns of Indigenous communities in North Dakota.
Overall, the selection of North Dakota Native Vote for the Bush Prize highlights the importance of supporting grassroots organizations that are working to ensure that all voices are heard in our democracy. The organization’s commitment to increasing voter turnout and political engagement among Native American communities serves as an inspiration for others striving to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
Source
Photo credit ictnews.org