CAMPAIGN PROMISES (Top 10)
"One Nation, One People — Guided by Our Ancestors, Walking Forward Together"
INTRODUCTION: WALKING WITH THE PEOPLE
Our campaign is not about power — it’s about purpose. It’s about remembering who we are, where we come from, and where we must go together as the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. We are not here to lead from above — we are here to walk beside you, grounded in the wisdom of our ancestors and committed to the future of our people.
These promises are not just ideas — they are responsibilities. We believe leadership means listening first, and always being close to the people, especially those who have felt left out or unheard. Whether you live within our boundaries or miles away, you matter. Our campaign is built on the truth that we are one Nation, without borders, and every tribal citizen deserves respect, support, and a voice.
We honor the unique histories, languages, and strengths of both the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples. Our platform represents unity—not just in words, but in action. Every decision we make will reflect our commitment to both tribes, and to every citizen, near or far.
We will provide realistic solutions, not empty talk. We will approach challenges with honesty, humility, and action. Together, we will:
Honor our elders and veterans
Empower our youth
Protect our lands and language
Strengthen our families
And build a government rooted in accountability, transparency, and cultural truth
Restore Responsible Governance & Salary Reform
Leadership is about service, not self-enrichment. With many tribal families facing unmet needs, it is unjustifiable to maintain inflated salaries for elected officials while essential programs lack funding.
Our team will reduce the Governor’s salary from $180,000 to its original amount of $150,000 annually.
The savings will be redirected to support high-impact community engagement efforts, especially programs for Chyenne and Arapaho veterans, elders, and youth.
Above all, we will lead with compassion. We will support our people through hard times, encourage their growth, and celebrate their success. Our top 10 campaign promises reflect this vision — a path forward that includes all of us, no matter where we live.
We invite you to walk with us. Let’s build a Nation where our people are the priority — and where our ancestors would be proud of the way we care for one another.
1. One Nation, No More Boundaries Between Us
Colonial boundaries have divided our people for too long. It’s time to reclaim unity.
Include out-of-district citizens in every major decision, service, and opportunity.
Create regional liaisons and virtual councils to serve all members.
Ensure voting rights, benefits, and representation are accessible no matter where you live.
2. Integrity and Transparency in Our Government
Trust begins with truth. Our people deserve to know how decisions are made and where money goes.
Launch a Tribal Transparency Portal with open budgets, updates, and meeting recordings.
Hold quarterly community forums—virtually and in-person.
Conduct forensic audits and public reporting to restore confidence in tribal leadership.
3. Cultural Revitalization Without Borders
Our culture is our strength, and it belongs to every tribal citizen—not just those nearby.
Bring language programs, traditional teachings, and ceremonies to in-district and out-of-district families.
Fund cultural mentorships between elders and youth.
Protect sacred sites, songs, and stories through community archiving and preservation initiatives.
4. Prioritize Elders and Veterans
Our wisdom keepers and warriors have carried us this far — they deserve care, respect, and dignity.
Expand elder services (meals, home care, wellness) to out-of-district areas.
Enhance Veterans Affairs Office with case managers, benefits support, and cultural honor ceremonies.
Guarantee elders and veterans priority in housing, healthcare, and tribal assistance.
5. Empowerment for Our Youth
Our youth are the next leaders. We must prepare them with strength, identity, and opportunity.
Fund scholarships, apprenticeships, and cultural learning programs.
Establish Youth Leadership Councils with seats at the table in tribal policy.
Support out-of-district youth with cultural camps, outreach, and mentorships.
6. True Self-Governance and Sovereignty
Sovereignty is not just a right — it’s a responsibility. Our Nation must govern itself on our terms.
Expand tribal authority in education, behavioral health, courts, and taxation.
Pursue land-back initiatives and greater jurisdiction over tribal affairs.
Involve the people in major decisions through referendums and community input sessions.
7. Housing and Community Development for All Generations
Safe, affordable housing is a right—not a privilege.
Build family, elder, and veteran housing units both in and out of district.
Launch a Tribal Homeownership Program with down-payment assistance and homebuyer education.
Improve infrastructure: roads, internet, water systems, and public buildings.
8. Health, Healing, and Wellness for Every Citizen
True wellness includes cultural, spiritual, and physical health — and it must be accessible to all.
Expand behavioral health, detox, and traditional healing programs.
Create mobile and telehealth teams for out-of-district members.
Promote fitness, nutrition, and healing gardens for community wellbeing.
9. Economic Strength and Tribal Prosperity
We must build an economy that works for the people — not just for outsiders or leadership.
Invest in tribal-owned businesses that create jobs and reinvest profits into the community.
Provide microgrants, incubators, and workshops for Native entrepreneurs, artists, and food growers.
Prioritize hiring and contracting tribal members first.
10. A Government Rooted in Honor, Service, and the People
Our ancestors led with heart. So will we.
Lead with honesty, humility, and respect for all families — not just favored ones.
Listen deeply, act justly, and serve selflessly.
Create leadership that our people can trust — and our ancestors would be proud of.
CLOSING STATEMENT: FOR ALL OUR RELATIVES
We are not running to divide — we are running to unite. We believe in a future where tribal leadership walks with the people, listens to the people, and works for the people. Whether you live near or far, you are our family. We are one Nation, and we are stronger when we rise together.
We are the Cheyenne and Arapaho people—two Nations standing as one. Let us walk forward with a shared purpose, shared sacrifice, and shared commitment to future generations.
Sankey—MedicineBird 2025
Rooted in Tradition, Rising with Purpose: The Sankey–MedicineBird Campaign
In a time when strong, values-based leadership is more important than ever, two proud citizens of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes—Cornell Sankey and Denny MedicineBird—have stepped forward with a shared vision: to lead their people with integrity, unity, and cultural strength. Running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, respectively, the Sankey–MedicineBird team brings together deep community roots, military service, and a track record of public leadership.
Grounded in Legacy, Guided by Service
Cornell Sankey’s path to leadership is shaped by his family’s tradition of service and sacrifice. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Gulf War, Cornell is a first-generation college graduate with degrees in business and finance. He was raised by a strong single mother in the tribal communities of Hammon, Weatherford, Canton, Watonga, and El Reno—experiences that gave him firsthand insight into the struggles and strength of Cheyenne and Arapaho families.
Cornell’s campaign is not about politics as usual. It’s about restoring trust in leadership, ensuring transparency, and empowering citizens of all generations. He draws inspiration from his ancestors, who endured and overcame great hardship, and now sees it as his responsibility to lead with courage and vision.
Denny MedicineBird, a U.S. Army veteran and public health advocate, brings a deeply spiritual and community-focused approach to the campaign. His Cheyenne name, Aenohe—meaning Hawk—was given to him by his late great-grandfather Joe White Antelope. As a descendant of Chief White Antelope, Denny carries a legacy of resilience, prayer, and responsibility.
With a Master’s in Public Health, Denny has led initiatives to promote youth development, cultural wellness, and health equity across tribal communities. His service as an Army medic in Operation Enduring Freedom and his ongoing advocacy for Native veterans make him uniquely equipped to champion both modern and traditional needs.
A Campaign for All Generations
The Sankey–MedicineBird campaign is rooted in the belief that leadership must be accountable, inclusive, and rooted in culture. From building opportunities for youth to honoring and protecting our elders, their vision is one of action—not just words.
They are committed to:
Strengthening tribal sovereignty
Investing in health, education, and economic opportunity
Honoring veterans and uplifting families
Restoring transparency and unity in tribal leadership
The Time Is Now
Cornell and Denny know that change doesn’t come overnight—but it begins with a choice. A choice to lead with humility. A choice to listen to the people. A choice to act with purpose.
As they often say: “Our ancestors endured, survived, and overcame. Now it’s our turn to lead.”
The Sankey–MedicineBird team humbly asks for your support in the upcoming election. Together, we can rise, heal, and move forward—stronger than ever.
Hohou-Nease!