Podcast Summary: "The Power Shift US Politics Needs" | Anathea Chino

Podcast: TED Talks Daily
Host: Elise Hu
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction

In the February 11, 2025 episode of TED Talks Daily, host Elise Hu engages in a compelling dialogue with Anathea Chino, co-founder of Advanced Native Political Leadership, and comedian Negeen Farsad. The conversation delves into the crucial role of Native voices within the American political landscape, exploring how honoring indigenous identities can drive effective community leadership.

Anathea Chino’s Background and Motivation

Anathea Chino begins by sharing her personal journey, emphasizing her heritage and the challenges faced as an Indigenous woman in the United States.

• Heritage and Upbringing (02:28-03:00):

  • "I am from Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico, one of the 19 pueblos in the state, known as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States."
  • Chino reflects on her childhood oscillating between her indigenous homeland and College Station, Texas, highlighting the cultural disconnect and the realization that her indigenous identity was often perceived as "othering."

• Educational Challenges (03:01-04:00):

  • "Our existence is an act of resistance and just a reminder that we are not a nation of immigrants; we have thriving indigenous cultures all across the United States."
  • She underscores the lack of proper education about indigenous communities post-1800s, portraying education systems that often relegate Native peoples to historical footnotes rather than living cultures.

Founding Advanced Native Political Leadership

Chino elucidates the inception of her organization, driven by the absence of political infrastructure for Native communities.

• Inspiration and Formation (04:01-05:00):

  • "I discovered my purpose in 2004 during a presidential campaign... I organized the 10 Southern Pueblos in the state."
  • Despite constituting over 10% of New Mexico's population, Native communities were underrepresented and misunderstood, prompting Chino to create platforms for Native voices.

• Mission and Vision (05:01-06:00):

  • "We are creating space for Native leaders to thrive in systems that were not created for us."
  • The organization aims not only to represent Native communities but to support leaders of diverse backgrounds, including women, queer individuals, and trans people, fostering a more inclusive and representative political environment.

The Importance of Diverse Voices in Democracy

The conversation shifts to the broader significance of diverse perspectives in the democratic process.

• Benefits of Diversity (06:00-07:00):

  • Chino explains, "Different perspectives in our democracy benefits, all consistently over time, over decades, over generations."
  • She highlights how a more reflective democracy can adapt to demographic shifts, enhancing the political system's responsiveness and effectiveness.

• Engaging Allies (07:00-08:00):

  • "We have many white allies in our community... witnessing that shift of being able to see what systems power shift looks like."
  • Chino emphasizes the importance of collaboration across racial and cultural lines to achieve systemic change and a more equitable representation.

Overcoming Barriers to Indigenous Leadership

Chino addresses the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals in politics and the strategies employed to overcome them.

• Breaking Aesthetics Barriers (08:01-09:00):

  • "I started my own political styling business to help women of color run for office."
  • By removing aesthetic barriers, Chino aimed to allow candidates to present their authentic selves without the pressure to assimilate into prevailing political norms.

• Embracing Indigenous Identity (09:01-10:00):

  • "We proudly see people wearing traditional regalia in the halls of Congress."
  • Chino celebrates the increasing visibility of Indigenous identities in politics, signaling a shift towards greater acceptance and representation.

Impact and Future Directions

The dialogue concludes with reflections on the progress made and the ongoing efforts to foster Indigenous leadership.

• Transformation through Leadership Programs (10:01-10:30):
  • "Watching somebody come into one of our leadership training programs really timid and shy... says I am going to be the next governor of my state."
  • Chino expresses pride in the transformative impact of her organization's programs, empowering individuals to envision and attain significant political roles.

Notable Quotes

• Anathea Chino (02:28): "Our existence is an act of resistance and just a reminder that we are not a nation of immigrants; we have thriving indigenous cultures all across the United States."
• Anathea Chino (05:50): "We are building space for Native visionary leaders to be able to step into our power."
• Anathea Chino (08:28): "We are in the middle of what that looks like for indigenous women running for office... holding white supremacy in this model of this shift."

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Anathea Chino articulates the necessity of elevating Native voices within American politics to create a more inclusive and effective democratic system. Through Advanced Native Political Leadership, Chino not only champions Indigenous representation but also fosters a broader movement towards diversity and equity in political leadership. This conversation underscores the power of embracing diverse identities to drive meaningful political and social change.

Produced by: Martha Estefanos, Oliver Friedman, Brian Greene, Lucy Little, Alejandra Salazar, Tonsika Sarmarnivon
Mixed by: Christopher Faizy Bogan
Additional Support: Emma Tobner, Daniela Ballaraiso
Host: Elise Hu