An initiative by the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC) of the United Methodist Church plans to register American Indians to allow them to participate in the political process. “A group of ten persons of all ages have been meeting since late last year to regroup and focus on efforts to engage American Indians in this process,” said Rev David Wilson, Superintendent of the OIMC, and Chair of the RNV.
Rock the Native Vote (RNV) was first established in 2004 as an attempt to register young American Indians to vote. That RNV effort culminated in a large concert that was held in June, 2004. The organization worked in conjunction with the National Congress of American Indians.
This year’s plans include enlistment of American Indian students from several of the Oklahoma colleges and universities. “We hope to enlist them to help us set up registration booths at major native events in their communities,” stated Wilson. The RNV first official endeavor was in late February with the support of a gathering of Indian students at Southwestern State University in Weatherford. Native students from most of the state and private colleges and universities gathered there for a leadership conference. Rev. Chebon Kernell, Vice-chair of RNV reported that, “we were successful in signing up twenty-two volunteers.” The RNV will now sponsor training for the group on how to register persons to vote, motivate native persons to vote, and other pertinent information. read more
