If Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are elected this fall, it could mark a significant milestone in U.S. history. Not only would a woman of color lead the country for the first time, but a Native woman would also govern a state for the first time.
Peggy Flanagan, the lieutenant governor of Minnesota and a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, is in line to become the state’s next governor should Walz ascend to the role of U.S. vice president. Flanagan's leadership has been closely observed by Indigenous communities in Minnesota and beyond, as she is seen as a proponent of policies that benefit Native Americans.
Under Flanagan's influence, Minnesota has made strides in integrating tribal consultation into various aspects of state governance. Initiatives such as establishing an office for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and enhancing laws safeguarding Native children in the adoption system have been attributed to her advocacy. Many Indigenous leaders credit Flanagan for fostering a greater respect for tribal sovereignty and autonomy in state policies.
Flanagan, who assumed office as lieutenant governor in 2018, has worked alongside Governor Walz to strengthen government-to-government relationships with tribal nations in Minnesota. Her potential rise to the governor’s office signifies a new era in politics, with Native women taking on prominent roles.
Reflecting on her journey, Flanagan acknowledges the importance of representation, especially for young Native individuals. She emphasizes that having more voices from underrepresented populations in positions of power leads to more inclusive and effective governance.
Flanagan's commitment to advocating for Native communities stems from her upbringing in Minneapolis, a hub of Indigenous activism. Her father, a White Earth activist, instilled in her the values of self-governance and truth-telling, principles that guide her work today.
As Flanagan's political influence continues to grow, she stands as a beacon for Indigenous female leaders across the country. Her potential elevation to the governorship of Minnesota would not only be a personal achievement but also a historic moment for Native representation in American politics.
