Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry addressed the conference on Thursday a day earlier. After his appearance, Kerry focused in on courting the votes of Latino and Native American voters. In a swing through Arizona and New Mexico, Kerry announced the formation of Native Americans for Kerry. On Sunday in Gallup, New Mexico, Kerry spoke at the closing powwow for the 83rd annual Intertribal Indian Ceremonial, with more than 30 tribes participating. Kerry pledged to promote tribal sovereignty and partner with tribes to improve access to health care, provide more educational opportunities, and strengthen economic development efforts. He announced he would increase funding for the Indian Health Service and elevate the Director of the IHS to a senior position in the administration, saying he would appoint at least one Native American as a Senior member of his administration who would have an office in the White House. During his swing through New Mexico and Arizona, Kerry picked up the endorsements of more than a dozen Native American leaders.
http://www.democracynow.org/article....4/08/10/149259