This week marks an important moment in our history — 100 years ago, Indigenous people like my ancestors in the Makah Tribe were granted U.S. citizenship.
This milestone reminds us of the progress we've achieved and the challenges that remain in our pursuit of equality and justice.
From voting rights to environmental stewardship, the fight for true sovereignty and the ability to protect our lands and traditions continues.
The right to vote has not just been a tool for political engagement but a means to assert our voice on issues that directly impact our communities — particularly environmental justice.
Your vote is powerful—a testament to our resilience and a tool for change. With important decisions ahead that affect our environment and our rights, your participation is crucial.
Do you plan to vote this year?
Decisions made by elected officials affect our lands, water, and air—resources that are sacred to us and essential for our way of life.
By voting, we influence policies that can protect these resources and ensure they are managed sustainably and respectfully, honoring our ancestral commitments.
As we reflect on this anniversary, I ask you to join me by pledging to vote in this year’s election, and honoring the legacy of those who fought for our right to vote by using our voices to advocate for justice, equality, and environmental stewardship.
This is our moment.
Patrick
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Patrick DePoe
Candidate for Washington Commissioner of Public Lands
