Hello there John ,

Travis here, Elections Manager for Stewardship Utah, wrapping up our candidate introduction series with another one of our incredible endorsed candidates, Davina Smith of San Juan County.

Davina is running in House District 69 (Southeastern Utah). Davina is originally from Monument Valley and is an enrolled member of the Diné (Navajo) tribe. She belongs to the Ta'chii' nii (Red Running into the Water) clan and was born to the Ta' baa ha' (Edgewater) clan. Growing up, her grandmother told her to go out in the world and learn as much as she could to someday come home and make things better for her community. And that is exactly what Davina intends to do. 

Southeastern Utah is famous for its unique environment and unique challenges for its residents, both natural and human-caused. We reached out to Davina to find out more about her plan to address these singular issues so that you can be more informed as you cast your vote this year.

Growing up in the Navajo Nation and witnessing the challenges faced by my community inspired me to run for office. I saw a need for representation and a strong voice to advocate for Indigenous rights, education, and healthcare access. My motivation to run again stems from my commitment to creating lasting change and empowering future generations. The ongoing issues affecting my community reinforced my determination to continue advocating for solutions at the state level.

Throughout both campaigns, I learned the importance of grassroots organizing and the power of listening to community members. Building relationships and understanding the unique needs of different groups are crucial. My advice to future candidates is to stay authentic and resilient. Engage directly with your constituents, embrace your cultural heritage, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Your voice is essential in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

The state should focus on policies that enhance healthcare access, improve educational resources, and protect natural resources. Investing in infrastructure like roads and internet connectivity can bridge the gap between rural and urban areas. Additionally, supporting economic development initiatives that respect cultural values and environmental sustainability will significantly benefit our communities.

I am concerned about the litigation efforts that aim to reduce protections for public lands, which are sacred to many Indigenous communities. These lands hold historical and cultural significance and should be preserved for future generations. Utahns can protect public lands by advocating for policies that prioritize conservation, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and holding elected officials accountable for decisions that threaten these areas.

Voting access has been a significant challenge due to factors like remote locations, lack of transportation, and limited access to polling places. These obstacles disenfranchise many voters in the Navajo Nation and rural areas, leading to underrepresentation. To address this, we need to improve infrastructure, provide more accessible voting options, and educate community members about their voting rights.

I envision a Utah that celebrates diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all its residents. In 20 years, I hope to see a state where Indigenous communities are fully represented in governmental decisions, where public lands are protected, and where access to quality education and healthcare is universal. My vision includes sustainable economic development that respects cultural traditions and the environment.

Stewardship Utah is proud to endorse Davina Smith in this year’s election, and we look forward to working with her to achieve our goals for a healthy and green community for all Utahns! 

Onwards,

Travis Suite,

Elections Manager

[email protected]

www.stewardshiputah.org

P.S. It's phone banking time! As we rally voters across Utah to head to the polls, we need your help. We're hosting several phone banking opportunities in the coming weeks, join us for one, or all of them!