John Berrey. Photo courtesy Quapaw Tribe



The leader of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma is vowing to do whatever it takes to ensure Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wins the November election.

Chairman John Berrey said he's been "proud" to call himself a Republican since 2002. But he won't be supporting his party's presumptive nominee, Donald Trump , who has faced criticism for his views about tribes, women and minorities.

"Moving forward, we need a president who will be inclusive and reach out to all people," Berrey said in a statement on Tuesday. "We need a president who has the experience and ability to bring the nation together and work as a team for the betterment of all, regardless of race, income or gender."

"Having met Hillary and talked with her about her vision for the future, I believe she is the best person to occupy the Oval Office," Berrey added.

Other Indian Republicans have thrown their support to Clinton, a former Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator. Ron Allen, the chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe endorsed the Democratic candidate in March.

"Hillary understands the tribes' goal of nation building and I believe she will honor the government-to-government relationship between the 566 Indian nations and the U.S. government," said Allen, who endorsed Democrat John Kerry over Republican incumbent George W. Bush during the 2004 presidential campaign

Clinton is close to claiming the Democratic nomination but Bernie Sanders , the Senator from Vermont , remains in the race. He has drawn fervent support throughout Indian Country and has met with more tribal leaders and more tribal citizens than his rival but trails in the delegate count

Of the remaining candidates, only Clinton and Sanders have developed Indian policy platforms. Many of their ideas are similar in that they promise to continue the gains made during the Obama administration. For example, both pledge to continue the White House Tribal Nations Conference and to strengthen tribal consultation.

Trump, on the other hand, has a generally negative record in Indian Country due to racially-charged comments he has made about tribes and the Indian gaming industry . He is due to claim the GOP nomination during the Republican National Convention , which runs from July 18-21, in Cleveland,Ohio.

The Democratic National Convention takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 25-28.

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