Derek Bailey Takes His Congressional Run to NCAI for Support

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

Derek Bailey at
Native Vote Kickoff

PORTLAND - Congressional candidate Derek Bailey flew to Portland, Oregon from Michigan to campaign at the 68th Annual Convention of the National Congress of American Indians.

Even though he is running for Congress from a district in Upper Michigan, it made sense for him to campaign in the convention center that attracted 2,800 American Indians and Alaska Natives leaders from throughout Indian Country. Republican Tom Cole, an enrolled tribal member of the Chickasaw Tribe from Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District, is the only American Indian presenting serving in Congress.

Less than 10 American Indians have served in Congress during the history of the United States.

Bailey made the rounds to regional caucuses held at 7:30 in the morning. Bailey told his story about his decision to run for Congress everywhere he went and was sure to tell the audiences that he was there as a Congressional candidate; not as chairman of his tribe. Bailey's day job is he is the tribal chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, based in Peshawbestown, Michigan.

“I come to ask for your support of my candidacy,”

stated Bailey at Great Lakes Caucus on Monday morning. "I think we need more people in Congress who understand tribal sovereignty. I know it and I advocate for sovereignty issues. I will do the same in Congress."

He told about how the current US Congressman representing Michigan's First District has not really connected with the people in the district.

"He sent my tribe a letter and did not even spell the word "Chippewa" right. I know he does not understand our issues," said Bailey.

"It takes money to run for Congress, so I am going to ask for your financial support as well," he continued.

Bailey then introduced his wife, Tonia, who was at his side. "As a candidate, I think it is important for you to know I am married. I am a family man," stated Bailey.

"Derek came to me as he was making up his mind and asked me for his permission," said Tonia Bailey. "We then went to the elders of the tribe and sought their permission. I am proud he came to me first."

a nonpartisan campaign

Separate from Bailey's efforts, the National Congress of American Indians repeatedly told delegates the importance of the Native Vote. On Monday evening, the organization held a party where Native Vote efforts were kicked off where information was distributed.

"Part of what we are trying to do with Native Vote is we want to protect the vote. Right now there are some post offices in Indian Country that have been slated to be closed by the US Postal System. We know many tribal members who send in absentee ballots. So, we are monitoring this situation," commented Jacqueline Johnson Pata, executive director, National Congress of American Indians.

Native Vote is a nonpartisan campaign initiated by the National Congress of American Indians. It is designed to encourage American Indians and Alaska Native people to exercise their right to vote. For more information, go to www.NativeVote.org.

Bailey, who announced his candidacy last month on October 1, has been working hard in Michigan's First Congressional District. While most delegates will never get an opportunity to vote for him, his move to involve more American Indians in his campaign was a great decision.

revised November 6, 2011 10:47 am est; posted November 5, 2011 9:57 am edt