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Sanders Addresses Native American Issues At Onalaska Rally

Democratic Candidate Says He Wants To 'Fundamentally Change' Government Relationship With Tribes

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Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders called for an improved relationship with Native American communities at a rally in Onalaska on Wednesday.

The U.S. senator from Vermont said the country owes a “debt of gratitude” to Native American communities for the unfair treatment they’ve received throughout history.

“(Native Americans) have been lied to, they have been cheated. Treaties that were negotiated between the government and the Native American community were often abrogated, and we have got to make that situation right,” Sanders said.

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Sanders talked about the need to address problems like unemployment, youth suicide and drug addiction among Native American communities, as well as environmental issues.

“What (Native Americans) have taught us is that as human beings, we are part of nature. We have to live with nature, we cannot destroy nature,” he said.

Wilfrid Cleveland, the president of the Ho-Chunk Nation, introduced Sanders at the rally, calling him a “steward of the land.”

“He shares our ideals, our thoughts on protecting our environment, particularly in the state of Wisconsin,” Cleveland said.

Sanders called for broad acknowledgment of climate change and more sustainable energy, while speaking against fracking and the use of fossil fuels.