Native Bidaské with Oliver (OJ) Semans on the 2024 Election and Wounded Knee Stain Act
In this episode of Native Bidaské, Levi Rickert, editor of Native News Online, sits down with OJ Semans Sr., the Executive Director of Four Directions and Legislative Affairs for the Coalition of Large Tribes (C.O.L.T).
The conversation dives into critical issues impacting Native communities, including Native voter turnout and voter suppression efforts in the 2024 election, particularly in key states like Montana, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Semans highlights how Native communities mobilized to increase voter participation and share strategies for engaging with and influencing the second-term Trump administration.
Semans also delivers a powerful critique of Senator Tillis’ attempts to block legislation protecting the Wounded Knee Massacre site and removing military honors from soldiers involved in the atrocity.
Throughout the discussion, Semans underscores the importance of amplifying Native voices, the diversity of political views within tribal communities, and the ongoing fight to protect tribal sovereignty and voting rights. This engaging conversation provides a Native-led perspective on pressing issues facing Indian Country today.
Tune in to Native Bidaské LIVE this Friday, December 6th at 12 EST on Native News Online’s Facebook or YouTube channel.
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@marciawade8813
February 27, 2026 at 6:05 pm
Please increase & balance sound. When O.J. Semens, Sr, speaks, his speech volume is lower & his speaking is difficult to hear; even w/ my sound volume turned all the way high… Also, think of better lighting on his/your guests faces… Thanks for these topics… Sorry to see Bev Haaland's term as Sec Interior end… You're right. Native American voting is very important & under attack…
>> We who pay property taxes–the sources of funding school districts–should petition the Federal Gov't & Dept of Educ to pay an additional amount to local schools per each reservation child attending their schools… Ditto Res schools which don't receive adequate or as much funding or tech support as the better funded public schools…