How well are Indigenous values being represented in the communities and states where they live?

Greetings! My name is Ashley and I am one of the Diversity Dashboard Research Coordinators from Michigan. As data is collected on more and more U.S. communities, my fellow Diversity Dashboard team members and I are working to identify areas in critical need of analysis.

Addressing the distribution of Indigenous representation in local government leadership for communities with significant Native populations is critical to truly assessing representative democracy in our nation. Discussing Native representation in roles with the greatest impact on community policy could help us understand how well Indigenous interests are being served.

In addition to gathering this important data, ELGL also hopes the Diversity Dashboard will spark conversation and further research on the differences in policy impact for these populations related to their representation and access to upper-level positions in local governments. Check out this 2010 article from American Indian Quarterly discussing the need for further research related to American Indians holding local government positions.