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As North Dakota makes strides in electing Native women to office, Indigenous leaders say they’re working to build upon the momentum to create a stronger foundation for representation in rural and tribal communities.

The state currently has two Native women serving as legislators. Representative Jayme Davis, D-Rolette, has her eyes set on a Senate seat in 2027. She said her motivation comes from a desire to address community needs and pave the way for the next generation of Indigenous leaders. She said something she learned early on is that the experience of those in office that look like her comes with a different level of responsibility.

"I have to somewhat be a Jane of all trades or learn very, very quickly because Indian country touches all of it," she said. "I have highways, I have health care, I have banking, I have foreign affairs. We don't really get that luxury of choosing just one or two things to be passionate about."

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Looking ahead, Davis aims to support and prepare future Indigenous candidates by addressing challenges such as fundraising. She said she’s particularly interested in encouraging more Indigenous women to run for office and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed, especially given North Dakota's term limits.

A member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Davis said her political journey was inspired by Indigenous women leaders such as Peggy Flanagan and Ruth Buffalo. She said codifying the Indian Child Welfare Act and garnering opposition to a bill to designate a state gun that was historically used to kill buffalo are key achievements that have shaped her career thus far. Davis became emotional explaining how the buffalo were central to her ancestors' survival.

"My ancestors used every single part of the buffalo for our daily sustenance and for our houses and tools," she said. "So when they were trying to get rid of the buffalo, you're trying to get rid of us. I didn't like that, and I still get emotional about it."

Davis emphasized the importance of building relationships across party lines, focusing on people rather than political affiliations. She said she’s seen how impactful her perspective can be in shifting political priorities and stressed the importance of using lived experiences to advocate for tribal and rural communities.

"That's what keeps me going," she said, "is the people, the colleagues that I have, that they're willing to listen and that my lived experience and my voice, whether it shakes or cracks or cries, is needed."