When We Show Up, Change Follows

A Year Defined by Participation and Purpose

As we look back on the year, when we show up, change follows—and 2025 reminded us of that truth again and again. There is a lot to be proud of—and a lot to learn from. We learned from our wins and our mistakes, from moments when we showed up and moments when we could have done more. Most of all, we saw the courage it takes to use our voices to help move our communities forward.

This year, our involvement during the 2025 legislative session mattered. Together, we helped pass a landmark bill recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day and stood united on issues that directly affect our health and well-being, including MMIP, Medicaid Expansion and other critical policies. People from all walks of life and organizations came together for the greater good, and that collective effort made a real difference. We also saw important representation grow at the Capitol, starting the year with 12 American Indian legislators and ending 2025 with a record 13 following the appointment of Katie Fire Thunder of Bozeman House District 59. When Native people are at the table, decisions reflect real community needs instead of outside assumptions. Our presence strengthens both the conversation and the outcome.

Click here for the 2025 legislative session report.

At the same time, 2025 was not an easy year. Many of us—including Western Native Voice—felt the weight of budget cuts, job losses, and the uncertainty that came with new policies. Our communities faced real threats, including the possibility of families going hungry as SNAP benefits were cut during the government shutdown. But instead of collapsing into helplessness, Native people did what we have always done—we stepped up. Our tribes used their bison herds to feed the people, reclaiming a sense of ownership, confidence, and connection to this place.

At Western Native Voice, we chose that same mindset. Rather than focusing on what we couldn’t do, we asked ourselves a different question: what can we do with fewer resources and a smaller team?

Our answer was to invest in the future. While we will continue outreach to all, we are sharpening our focus on youth—bringing in the next generation with a strong sense of belonging, leadership, and responsibility. Our goal is to help prepare young people to lead with confidence, purpose, and connection to their communities.

Here are a few moments from 2025. We are deeply grateful to our members and supporters—for your time, your voices, your trust, and your financial support. You are what make us strong: informed, focused, and powerful together.

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