Big Head DC has learned that  Hillary Clinton has become ”the first and only candidate” to refuse an invitation to speak at a first-ever candidate forum in Indian Country. The forum, called Prez on the Rez by its organizers is set for August 23, on the reservation of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, Calif.

Upon learning of the snub, Kalyn Free, president of the group organizing the event, said, “Hillary Clinton’s willingness to ignore Indian voters on the campaign trail has made it clear that she lacks the courage to change lives in Indian Country.”

“I’m both disappointed and astonished that Senator Clinton has turned her back on American Indians. By refusing to participate in this historic event, she lost an opportunity to inspire an entire generation of American Indians to engage in the democratic process. Sadly, that reflects the hollowness of her rhetoric and the narrowness of her vision,” said Free. “Just as tribes are gaining recognition for building political power in key states throughout the country, Senator Clinton is ignoring the needs - large and small - of Indian People. We demand a president who truly cares about who we are, who has the courage to change the shameful state of life in Indian Country and throughout America, and who has the vision to build a society all Americans can be proud of. I’m disheartened to say that Senator Clinton has proven she is not that leader.”

Senator Clinton was invited to Prez on the Rez over six months ago.