Speaking before the state assembly yesterday, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians President Shannon Holsey testified on behalf the Tribal ID Card bill which would allow tribal ID’s to be used for things like voter registration, picking up medication at the pharmacy, and purchasing alcohol and tobacco.
She explained the importance of having the tribal ID recognized.
“It’s very meaningful for a number of reasons, but especially because Native American people have duality,” Holsey said. “We’re first citizens of our tribal nations, but we’re also citizens of the United States and we appreciate the fact that there is reverence given at this level because it is so important.”
She said that using tribal ID cards at pharmacy’s would be significant in Stockbridge-Munsee where one-third of the population is aging.
Holsey also pointed out that Native Americans are the only people in the country who are required to carry a card of pedigree.
Several of the state’s tribes have voice their support for the bill, including the Menominee and Oneida tribes.
