Meet Our Staff

Ronnie Jo Horse, a citizen 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, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Administration from the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University. She is also a doctoral student in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University.

Ronnie Jo was named USA Today’s 2023 Montana Woman of the Year. She enjoys traveling, sewing, and helping in her communities.

Krystal Hill is the Chief Financial Officer at Western Native Voice. She was born and raised in southeastern Montana and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Rocky Mountain College. Krystal brings expertise in accounting for tribal governments and federal grant management. Before joining Western Native Voice, she worked in marketing and public relations for a rural telecommunications cooperative serving Montana and North Dakota.

An avid long-distance runner, Krystal has competed in numerous local and regional races. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, and their children.

Tracie Garfield is the Communications Director at Western Native Voice. She is Assiniboine and a citizen of the Fort Peck Tribes. With over 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing in Indian Country, Tracie has honed her skills in both the telecommunications industry and at an award-winning agricultural publication.

When she is not working, Tracie enjoys hiking in the mountains and spending time with her 10 grandchildren

Keaton Sunchild is a citizen of the Chippewa-Cree Tribe from the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. He graduated from the University of Providence with a degree in sociology and political science and later attended the University of Oregon School of Law.

Before joining Western Native Voice, Keaton ran for state legislature in 2018 and worked on two presidential campaigns in 2020.

In his spare time, he enjoys watching the St. Louis Cardinals, Duke basketball, and Oregon football, as well as spending time with his dog, Lucy Lou.

Sami Walking Bear is a citizen of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Tribe and grew up on the Crow Reservation in Fort Smith, Montana. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from MSU Billings and brings experience in tribal governments and institutions to the team at Western Native Voice.

Before joining Western Native Voice, Sami worked with the Crow Tribe Legislative Branch in Crow Agency, Montana.

Basketball has played a defining role in Sami’s life, shaping both her and her family’s ability to strive for success and overcome adversity.

In her spare time, she can usually be found in a gym, supporting her children, family, and friends.

Tristen Belgarde was raised in Rocky Boy, Montana, and graduated from Rocky Boy Jr./Sr. High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a teaching option, a minor in Political Science, and a Broadfield Social Science endorsement from MSU Billings in the spring of 2021.

A former collegiate athlete, Tristen competed in cross country at MSU-Northern. His dedication to self-improvementcarries over into all aspects of his life, including his work with youth.

In his free time, Tristen enjoys spending time with his wife and his cat, Loki, working out, listening to music, playing video games, and going for long runs.

Dean Bear Claw is a citizen of the Crow Indian Nation and holds 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 Voice, Dean served as a grant writer and researcher for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Mandan, Arikara, and Hidatsa Nation in western North Dakota.

Dean has a passion for painting, often creating canvases that reflect Native American themes.

Natalie Stewart-Colliflower, known in her Apsáalooke community as Bishée Koosh Baláxe (Sings to the Buffalo), is a proud citizen of the Apsáalooke Nation, born and raised on the Crow Reservation. Her name reflects a deep connection to her heritage and the natural world, both of which have 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 Degree in Business Management from Rocky Mountain College. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to 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 Western Native Voice, 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, strengthening her ties to her heritage. Alongside her husband, Kim, she enjoys attending rodeo events, a tradition that brings joy and a sense of community through her family’s ranching background. She also cherishes time spent with her children and grandchildren, finding fulfillment in nurturing family bonds and passing on her rich cultural legacy.

Natalie’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 citizen 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.

For the past eight years, Monique has dedicated her time to working with tribal communities both on and off the reservation. While she cherishes her own tribe, she has had the privilege of collaborating with various tribes across Montana. As Western Native Voice’s Youth Program Manager, one of the most fulfilling aspects of her work is helping young individuals discover their unique strengths and talents while fostering their growth through an educational approach.

Outside of work, Monique enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, immersing themselves in the great outdoors. When she is not in the office, you can often find her at the baseball or softball fields, enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines.

Kori Wood was born in Seattle and has spent most of her life in eastern Montana.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from Antioch University in Los Angeles in 2019.

Kori enjoys writing, dancing, roller skating, yoga, and spending time with her dogs—Ginsberg, Stella, and Poe.

Samuel Wine was born and raised in Billings, and has always held a deep appreciation for the city’s vibrant community.

Fascinated by the world of marketing, he has dedicated countless hours to researching industry trends and collaborating with managers from leading organizations to gain insight into their work.

Samuel is excited to channel his passion into visible projects for Western Native Voice and looks forward to embracing new beginnings and taking on exciting challenges.

Alicia Stewart is a citizen of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation and grew up in Crow Agency, Montana.

She graduated from Montana State University–Bozeman in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health/Health and Human Development. She is currently enrolled in accounting courses with the goal of obtaining her accounting certificate.

Alicia loves hiking, camping, nature walks, and listening to music

Celisa Jefferson is a citizen of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Tribe. Her Crow name is “Baahiin Baatchaachiia” (Hard Worker). She grew up in the Black Lodge District and is part of the Big Lodge Clan and a child of the Greasy Mouth Clan.

A Navy veteran, Celisa earned an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Little Big Horn College.

Celisa looks forward to seeing the impact of the Native vote in local communities, across Montana, and throughout the country.

Chari Little Dog is a citizen of the Blackfeet Tribe. She grew up in California before moving to Montana at the age of 11.

She joins Western Native Voice with more than 20 years of experience in customer service.

Chari spends her time raising her two grandchildren, Lily and Rosa, and teaching them about respect.

Dion Stump is a citizen of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and a passionate advocate for Native communities, particularly foster youth. She holds an Associate’s Degree from Great Falls College and is set to graduate in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology from Montana State University Northern. Dion is dedicated to making a positive impact both within and outside her academic field.

As the office manager for Western Native Voice, her commitment to youth advocacy is demonstrated by her involvement in various foster youth panels, where she actively works to ensure that young voices are heard and understand their right to be heard.

Dion also brings a strong healthcare background, having worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) since 2016. This experience has helped her develop excellent communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

In her free time, Dion enjoys spending quality time with her family and indulging in hobbies such as beading and sewing. Her diverse background and experiences highlight her deep commitment to both her community and personal growth.