Meet Our Staff

Ronnie Jo, a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation in South Dakota and a descendant of the Northern Cheyenne Nation in Montana, serves as the Executive Director for various organizations, including the Western Native Voice Education Project, Western Native Voice Inc., Western Native Voice Action Fund, Western Native Voice Votes, and Western Native Voice LLC. She holds an Associate Degree in General Studies from Chief Dull Knife College, a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Montana State University- Bozeman, a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies with a focus on Tribal Policy, Law, and Government from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University,  a Masters of Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Administration at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University and a doctoral student at Gonzaga University studying Leadership Studies. Ronnie Jo is also the 2023 USA Today’s Montana Women of the Year.  Ronnie Jo enjoys traveling, sewing, and helping in her communities.

Krystal Hill is the Chief Financial Officer with Western Native Voice. She was born and raised in Southeastern Montana. Krystal joined the team with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management from Rocky Mountain College, bringing experience in Accounting for Tribal Governments and Federal Grant Management. Prior to her work with Western Native Voice, she worked in marketing and public relations for a rural telecommunications cooperative in Montana and North Dakota.

Krystal is an avid long-distance runner, competing in many local and regional runs, and she enjoys spending time with her husband Paul, and her children.

Tracie Garfield is the Communications Director with Western Native Voice. She is Assiniboine and a member of the Fort Peck Tribes. She has over 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing in Indian country. Prior to Western Native Voice, Tracie developed her PR and marketing skills at a telecommunications company, and at an award-winning ag publication. You can find Tracie in the mountains hiking when she is not working or spending time with her 10 grandchildren.

Sami Walking Bear is the Outreach and Field Director at Western Native Voice.
Sami is a member of the Apsáalooke/Crow Tribe and grew up on the Crow Reservation in Fort Smith, Montana. She has a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from MSU-Billings and brings her experience in Tribal Governments and Institutions to the team at Western Native Voice.
Before Western Native Voice, Sami worked with the Crow Tribe Legislative Branch in Crow Agency, Montana.
Sami’s lifestyle is molded and shaped by the game of basketball. All her life experiences in the sport has given her and her family the tools to strive and overcome all adversities in life.
In her spare time, Sami can usually be found in a gym supporting her own kids, family, and friends.

Tristen Belgarde is the Youth Program Director at Western Native Voice. Tristen was raised in Rocky Boy, Montana and graduated from Rocky Boy Jr/Sr. High School. Tristen graduated from MSU-Billings in the spring of 2021, with his Bachelors of Arts in History with Teaching Option and Minor in Political Science; Social Science (Broadfield) Endorsement. Tristen is a former collegiate athlete competing at MSU-Northern in cross country. Tristen strives for self-improvement and this carries over to everything in his life including, his work with the youth. Tristen enjoys spending time with his fiancé and his cat Loki, working out, listening to music, playing video games, and going for long runs.

Dean Bear Claw is an enrolled member of the Crow Indian Nation with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Montana State University, Billings. He is married to Ramona Couture-Bear Claw, and together they have three grown children, each with their own families.
Before joining Western Native Voices, Dean served as a Grant Writer and Researcher for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Mandan, Arikara, and Hidatsa Nation in western North Dakota. He has a passion for painting, often creating canvases that reflect Native American themes.

Natalie Stewart-Colliflower, known in her Apsaalooke community as Bishée Koosh Baláxe (Sings to the Buffalo), is a proud member of the Apsáalooke Nation, born and raised on the Crow Reservation. Her name reflects a deep connection to her heritage and the natural world that has shaped her life.
Natalie’s academic journey is as impressive as it is diverse. She earned two associate degrees in Business Administration and Data Processing before completing a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Rocky Mountain College. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to both personal and professional growth.
Her professional career began with a focus on community relations and human resources, where she made significant contributions to a mining company operating across New Mexico and Wyoming. Currently, Natalie works with WNV, continuing her dedication to fostering strong community connections and effective organizational management.
Beyond her professional achievements, Natalie is deeply immersed in the cultural and familial aspects of her life. She actively participates in ceremonial activities, which strengthen her ties to her heritage. Alongside her husband, Kim, she enjoys attending rodeo events, a tradition that brings joy and a sense of community with her family background of ranching. Natalie also cherishes time spent with her children and grandchildren, finding fulfillment in nurturing family bonds and passing on her rich cultural legacy.
Natalie Stewart-Colliflower’s life is a testament to the integration of professional excellence and cultural devotion, showcasing a journey that bridges heritage, education, and community service.

Monique Denny, is a proud member of the Assiniboine tribe from Fort Belknap. She grew up in the quaint town of Lodge Pole, and graduated from Hays/Lodge Pole High School. Over the past 8 years, Monique has dedicated her time to working with tribal communities both on and off the reservations. While she cherish her own tribe, she’s had the privilege of collaborating with various tribes across Montana. One of the most fulfilling aspects of Monique’s job as Western Native Voice’s Youth Program Manager is guiding young individuals to discover their unique strengths and talents and fostering their growth through an educational approach.
Outside of work, Monique spends quality time with her husband and children, immersing themselves in the great outdoors. When she is not in the office, you can often find Monique at the baseball/softball fields, enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines.

Kori is the web and social media manager for Western Native Voice. She was born in Seattle and has lived most of her life in eastern Montana. Kori has a BA in English and received her Masters in creative writing from Antioch University in Los Angeles in 2019.

Kori enjoys writing, dancing, roller skating, helping in her community, and spending time with her dog, Ginsberg.

Samuel Wine joins the team at Western Native Voice as the team’s Marketing Manager. Born and raised in Billings, Samuel has always held a deep appreciation for the city’s vibrant community. He has always been fascinated by the world of marketing, dedicating countless hours researching and collaborating with managers from leading organizations to understand the details of their work. Samuel is excited to channel that passion into visible projects for Western Native Voice and looks forward to embracing new beginnings and facing exciting challenges together!

Alicia Stewart is a member of the Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation and grew up in Crow Agency MT. She graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman in 2017 with a Bachelors in Science with a major in Community Health/Health and Human Development. She am currently enrolled in accounting courses with the objective of obtaining her accounting certificate. Alicia loves hiking, camping, nature walks and listening to music. 

Celisa Jefferson, is a member of the Crow Tribe. Her Crow name is “Baahiin Baatchaachiia” (Hard Worker). Celisa grew up in the Black Lodge District, and is part of the Big Lodge Clan and child of the Greasy Mouth. She is a Navy Veteran and received her AA in Business Administration from Little Big Horn College.

Celisa join the Western Native Voice team as a full time Community Organizer in Billings. She looks forward to seeing what a difference the Native vote can make in local communities, across the state of Montana, and through the country.

Chari Little Dog is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. She grew up in California before moving to Montana when she was 11. She joins Western Native Voice with more than 20 years experience in customer service.
Chari spends her time raising her two grandchildren Lily and Rosa and teaching them about respect.