DENVER. – What are the odds? Two American Indian state legislators – one incumbent, one aspiring – in a state with a relatively small Native population, and both of them, although unrelated and from different tribes, with the last name “Williams.”
To be sure, Sen. Suzanne Williams’ maiden name is Sandford, but she has been “Senator Williams” and, earlier, state representative, for more than a decade. A member of the Comanche Nation, she is the state’s only tribally enrolled legislator – at least for now.
Jake Williams, 32, of Lafayette, Colo. and a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Michigan, is endorsed by INDN’s List in his Democratic race for the 12th District of the state House of Representatives.
He’s a program manager for the Western Conservation Foundation, working to strategically fund efforts to improve federal conservation policy in such areas as clean energy and air and water quality.
Because the district north of Denver is heavily Democratic, a victory for Williams in the primary Aug. 10 will likely lead to his representing that constituency – albeit with a small Native population – in the Capitol.
Williams was asked about some of his views.
Indian Country Today: Some Native-specific issues have been raised in the state legislature, often by Senator Williams. I’m sure you’ve followed the high school mascot issue, the genocide apology in an earlier session, and the question about the state’s reimbursement rate for free Native tuition at Fort Lewis College. What’s your position on those areas?
JW: The mascot issue presents a perfect opportunity for learning. Discussions are now taking place between a Colorado High School athletics association and led by Senator Williams, and I’m hopeful we can reach a point of turning a negative into a positive. It’s also an opportunity to teach the history of Indians in Colorado and elsewhere in the nation. Concerning genocide, it’s important for us always to remember genocide of all sorts – not only the Holocaust, but that of Native America, and be supportive of efforts to be sure it never happens again to anyone else. I support the state sticking to its agreement with Fort Lewis College.
ICT: Then there are the wider, national-level issues affecting Natives here and elsewhere. …
JW: I’ll always be a strong proponent for the sovereignty of tribes – sovereignty should never be eroded. In general, I’m against the way government has broken agreements over time.
ICT: Your childhood was spent in part in a Native community, I believe, in addition to some years in Longmont (Colorado)?
JW: Yes. When I was a kid we (Pokagon Band) were still asking for recognition – we only received it in the ’90s. But I have fond memories of powwows and receiving gifts; my grandfather taught me words in my Native language. I liked it because it gave me something unique – no other kid in my school had the same experiences.
ICT: And the tribe helped with education expenses – you went to the London School of Economics, right?
JW: Yes. I was not on a scholarship and went two years – I got a Master’s Degree in comparative politics and policy. I got $1,000 a semester from the tribe, and it was a tremendous help. I’ll never forget it.
ICT: In general, what are the overall major issues facing Colorado right now – the priorities you’ll be attempting to address if you are elected to the General Assembly?
JW: Across Colorado, when you get down to it, people want jobs, access to health care, clean energy. Coloradans are practical. They value building coalitions with other people on the other side of the aisle, and I’ve done that.
But Colorado will be at the bottom in terms of caring for elders, kids and others unless we have the tax base. We need to raise revenue to invest in public education, health care, the transportation infrastructure, our environment and the future of our economy. We need to lift education funding from among the lowest in the country to a level adequate to better prepare our workforce and increase research and development funding to continue developing the commercial technology that creates jobs.
ICT: You advocate single-payer health care, according to campaign statements.
JW: I believe a single-payer system is the most efficient and equitable way to accomplish quality, affordable health care for every Coloradan. Our Medicaid safety net system is one of the most underfunded in the country. We should widen eligibility and increase reimbursement rates for providers to expand access for low-income Coloradans.
