Elizabeth Warren apologizes and turns to political speeches at a tribal forum



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After thanking New Mexico Representative Deb Haaland, who had vigorously defended her just minutes earlier, the Massachusetts Senator quickly addressed her earlier claims of tribal inheritance. Warren drew criticism over his decision last year to release the results of a DNA test showing a distant Native American ancestry. As a result, she apologized publicly and privately.

Monday she did it again.

"Like all those who are honest with themselves, I know that I have made mistakes, I am sorry for the wrongs that I have caused," said the Democratic presidential candidate of 2020. "I listened and I learned a lot, and I'm grateful for the many conversations we had together."

The audience had heard enough and applauded when Warren finished his thought and promised him to continue his long partnership with the indigenous communities "as President of the United States of America". Over the next 20 minutes, at least two of the interlocutors on the scene would have said they hoped to have the opportunity, a day later, to address her under this title.

Warren's rise in the Democratic primary is based on a combination of detailed political plans and his unwavering commitment to voters and local leaders. At Frank LaMere's Presidential Candidate Forum, she relied on both, again showing her fluidity on the central issue at stake for this audience – the federal policy on Native Americans and the many ways whose government has let down or betrayed the tribes. . The publication by Warren last week of a new series of political plans and a bill, developed with Haaland, seemed to answer many questions in Sioux City.

In his introduction, Haaland, who endorsed Warren, called the media attention on President Donald Trump's insults – and speculation about what they meant for Warren's campaign – a political gift to Trump .

"Whenever they ask questions about Elizabeth's family instead of issues of vital importance to the Indian country, they fuel the racism of the president," Haaland said. "Elizabeth knows that she will be attacked, but she is here to be an unwavering partner in our struggle because that's what a leader does."

The two leaders on stage and the audience seemed to agree. Warren was warmly welcomed and she ran a seamless cycle between empathy notes and her argument for the "structural change" needed to benefit and revive aboriginal communities. She spoke of directing new resources to the tribes and guaranteeing them greater jurisdiction over their own lands. Warren pointed out that the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and men needed more attention from the government and the national media, she said.

"A problem that we do not see," she said, "is a problem that is not solved."

Manape LaMere, son of the late Frank LaMere – the activist who gave his name to the conference – told CNN that Warren had appreciated his concentration on important policies for aboriginal peoples.

"I hope people will be able to pay attention to what she says about her policy – she seems to have a very good pulse on at least legal understanding," LaMere said.

As for Warren's mea culpa for his management of the ancestors of his own family, LaMere said that he accepted the apology and that he was not interested in discussing it further: "We all commit mistakes and if we are able to report, well, that's what we're supposed to do. "

The conference – and the fact that several high-profile presidential candidates are attending this week – was his father's dream, LaMere added.

"We are forgotten and so I loved seeing how daddy encouraged us to come together and make a dream come true," he said. "Posthumously, we check one of his dreams."

The desire to ensure that Aboriginal issues received more attention was a consistent message throughout the morning and afternoon.

After Warren's session, Aric Armell, who went to Sioux City from his home in Winnebago, Nebraska, where he is a registered member of the tribe, said that the forum was only A beginning. He wanted to hear more from Warren – and from all the candidates – and not only during a one-time event.

"Most of the topics covered do not normally have a chance to appear," said Armell, "for many of today's candidates, it was really good to hear."

Warren, he added, seemed to have "scoured" the question of his ancestors. But Armell was not too bothered. Like so many others here, he was looking further down the road.

"I think what she said is really good for the Indian country, and her record is a testimony to all of this," he said. "If she is the president, we already have a good foundation with her."

Daniella Diaz from CNN contributed to this story.

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