LAME DEER, MT — In a vibrant fusion of cultural celebration and civic engagement, Western Native Voice (WNV), a Native-led nonprofit, recently held a community feed in Lame Deer, Montana. This event, which also functioned as a membership drive, played a pivotal role in increasing voter registration and membership among the Northern Cheyenne.
Historically, Montana’s Native American communities, including the Northern Cheyenne, have seen lower voter turnout, a concern that Western Native Voice aims to mitigate through active community engagement. According to the U.S. Census, voter participation among Native Americans in Montana trails behind national averages, highlighting the critical need for initiatives like this community feed.
“The community feeds are essential not just for gathering and sharing a meal but also for mobilizing our community to use their voices in elections and beyond,” remarked a spokesperson from WNV. The event featured a variety of foods, creating an inviting atmosphere conducive to discussions on civic responsibilities and community involvement.
At the heart of the event were voter registration and membership sign-up stations, staffed by dedicated Western Native Voice staff. This strategic setup was crucial for leveraging the social gathering into a robust platform for political empowerment and community building.
The enthusiastic participation of the community was evident, with families, elders, and youths engaging in rich discussions, exchanging stories, and establishing newmanities. This sense of unity and shared purpose underscored the importance of community ties and collective action. “Events like this are vital for strengthening our community bonds and ensuring that our collective voice is influential in shaping policies that impact our lives,” a staff member of Western Native Voice noted.
By the conclusion of the event, the increase in memberships and voter registrations underscored the successful outreach, with each registration marking a step toward greater representation and influence for the Northern Cheyenne in Montana’s political arena.
For more information on how to get involved with Western Native Voice or to learn more about upcoming events and initiatives, follow us across all social media platforms. Through events like the community feed in Lame Deer, WNV is committed to building a robust and active communities, poised to make significant impacts within Montana’s democratic processes.