'We're able to organize power': Inter-tribal Brewers tailgate party encourages Native Americans to vote in November

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – An event on Thursday, Aug. 15 highlighted two important traditions: baseball and voting.

Wisconsin Native Vote held their first ever inter-tribal Brewers tailgate to help get out the vote.

"People were here and saying they've driven from Tomah or Lac du Flambeau, or all different parts of the state," said Anjali Bhasin, civic engagement director for Wisconsin Conservation Voices.

More than one thousand natives were invited to the tailgate at American Family Field on Thursday.

"It's really also a chance to bring in all different generations of people to come in and learn about this election cycle," said Maria Haskins, the manager of Wisconsin Native Vote.

Next to the burgers and hot dogs was voter registration and resources, encouraging natives to make their voices heard this November.

"We're able to organize power," Haskins said. "When you're able to organize power, you can come to the polls in a force and make a difference with what's going to be happening with our future.

Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, said Natives are focused on climate change and healthcare access this election cycle, as well as tribal safety.

"Murder is the third leading cause of death among native women, so protecting our relatives and navigating a system sometimes where you become invisible," Holsey explained.

Other key issues in the community are mental health and the opioid crisis.

"We are trying to do everything possible to make sure that we bring the necessary resources and healing to our tribal communities," she said.

Thursday's gathering also brings visibility to the state's Native population, with a color guard and Smokey Town drum circle performance on the Brewers field.

"We decided this would be a wonderful opportunity to bring all 11 tribes together," Haskins said. "I hope that this can drive a message home that our vote counts."

The Wisconsin Native Vote program has proven to be successful.

In 2020, it led to increases in voter turnout in some tribes by more than 20%.