John,

November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to honor and celebrate Native Americans. The impacts of the original inhabitants of this land are felt every day, down to the origins of the words “Nebraska” and “Omaha” in Indigenous languages.

This commemoration is especially important to me as someone who has worked closely with American Indian communities here in Nebraska. When I worked on the Winnebago reservation in Nebraska, I saw firsthand just how much our government has failed Indian Country.

When I started in Winnebago, multiple people were dying every week from preventable health issues like diabetes, and the food being delivered to the reservation commodities program was mostly expired. In the 21st century, in a nation as wealthy as ours, there is absolutely no excuse for people to be left behind by the government like this.

I am looking forward to being a Member of Congress who fights for the rights and protections of Indian Country in Nebraska and across the nation.

Thank you,
Alisha