Watch: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan opens the Democratic National Convention

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan started the Democratic National Convention with a (gavel) bang on Monday night.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was chosen as one of four co-chairs at this year's DNC and was the first speaker on Monday night, and later introduced civil rights activist Maxine Waters.

A member of the White Earth Nation, Flanagan is the first woman of color to serve as Lieutenant Governor in Minnesota and the highest-ranking Native American woman in elected office. During her speech, she proudly represented her tribe at the convention.

"My name in the Ojibwe language is Ejee Wei-Woddam Ukwe. Or in English, speaks with a clear and loud voice woman," Flanagan said. "The role of our clan is to never leave anyone behind."

She praised Governor Tim Walz and his work for Minnesota, saying she has "seen how hard he's worked for Minnesota to be the best place for kids to grow up" in almost six years of working with him.

"He does it all with a big heart, a buffalo plaid jacket, and a bottomless bag of snacks," she joked. "Nutter Butters, cheese curds, and Diet Dew."

She notes that he always brings her something to eat when they meet because he "has always got my back, and when he's vice-president he'll always have yours."

Flanagan went on to contrast the former Trump Administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic with the efforts taken by the Biden Administration since taking office in 2021. Flanagan's brother, Ron, was one of the early fatal victims of COVID at the start of the pandemic.

"Our country was brought to the brink by [Trump's] failure to respond," she said. "But the Biden-Harris administration stepped in with quick and decisive action. Under their leadership, America began to heal."

If Kamala Harris is elected with Walz as her vice president, Flanagan would become the country's first Native American governor.

Related: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan named as co-chair for Democratic National Convention