Skate for Democracy: Mobilizing Native Youth Voters Through Skateboarding

Protect the Sacred, an Indigenous-led organization, is set to host “Skate for Democracy” in Tuba City, Arizona on Saturday, September 14. The event combines skateboarding and heavy metal music to register young Indigenous voters ahead of the upcoming election.

Founded in 2020 by Diné activist Allie Young, Protect the Sacred aims to increase Native voter participation. The organization’s “Ride to the Polls” campaign has evolved from horseback rides to polling places to now include skateboarding, adapting to engage younger generations of Native voters.

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Skateboarding’s significance in native communities

Skateboarding has gained popularity in many Native communities, particularly in the Navajo Nation. Recent years have seen an increase in skate park construction across reservations, providing young people with new spaces for gathering and self-expression.

Skate for Democracy: Mobilizing Native Youth Voters Through SkateboardingSkate for Democracy: Protect the Sacred hosts a skateboarding event in Tuba City, AZ, blending skate culture and metal music to register Native youth voters ahead of the 2024 election. — Image for a post titled skateboarding locations comprehensive list of states territories and provinces.

“Skateboarding is a passion for many of our native young people,” Young told Native News Online. “It’s just about getting out there and riding, being a part of a community.”

For those new to skateboarding, understanding skate park etiquette and the unwritten rules for beginners is crucial for a positive experience and community integration.

Event details

The Skate for Democracy event will feature:

A skateboarding competition at Louise Yellowman County Park starting at noon MDT
Three age group categories: 12 and under, 13-17, and 18 and up, with a dedicated girls’ category
Free registration and custom-designed shirts for participants
A metal concert at Greyhills Academy High School Auditorium featuring local bands

Voter registration focus

The event marks the beginning of Protect the Sacred’s voter registration tour across rural Navajo Nation communities. Young emphasized the importance of early registration due to Arizona’s October 7 deadline.

“We’re focused on voter registration now because Arizona has an early deadline of October 7, and we want to make sure our people are prepared,” Young stated.

Challenges and impact

Arizona’s status as a battleground state heightens the importance of Native voter participation. With over 400,000 Indigenous people in the state, mobilizing Native voters could significantly impact election outcomes.

However, recent changes to Arizona’s voting laws pose additional challenges. In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld a new law requiring proof of citizenship for newly registered voters, which Young describes as “a slap in the face to Indigenous people.”

Conclusion

By combining skateboarding culture with voter registration efforts, Protect the Sacred aims to engage young Indigenous voters in a meaningful way. The organization hopes to remind Native youth of their growing influence and the power of their vote in shaping representation.

For those inspired by this event to start skateboarding, it’s important to be aware of potential risks. Understanding the most common skateboard injuries and their statistics can help new skaters prioritize safety while enjoying the sport.