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.

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.

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.

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.